Canada Wants William Shatner of 'Star Trek' for Governor

by Tariq Malik, SPACE.com Managing Editor

Date: 28 April 2010 Time: 11:14 AM ET

William Shatner may have saved the galaxy countless times with the Starship Enterprise on TV's "Star Trek," but can he command his native land of Canada? Some die-hard fans think so ? they want the original Capt. James T. Kirk to lead Canada as Governor General.

The Shatner believers have launched a Facebook campaign calling for Shatner, a native of Montreal, to be appointed to a real five-year mission as the ceremonial Governor General of Canada. As of Wednesday, nearly 41,000 people were supporting the bid.

"It's time for Canada to boldly go where no country has gone before," the fans wrote on their Facebook post. "It's time for Canada to appoint the incomparable William Shatner to the position of Governor General. Indeed it's time to Back the Shat."

But will Shatner, 79, take charge if he wins the appointment? The famed actor from "Star Trek" and other television and film roles mentioned the Canadian call for his leadership with humor on his Twitter page, where he posts updates under the name "WilliamShatner."

"I believe Governor General means you govern the generals. Does that make me part of the army?" Shatner wrote.

Actually, Canada's Governor General serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the country and acts on recommendations from the prime minister to appoint the chief of Canada's Defense Staff and Royal Colonels, according to a Canadian government description.

The governor represents the country during state visits abroad, is responsible for receiving royal visitors, heads of state and foreign ambassadors at Rideau Hall in the Citadel of Quebec, creates new coats of arms for Canadian citizens and corporations, and presents awards and honors during ceremonies to recognize valor, excellence, bravery and other achievements, according to the description.

Among his myriad other roles on the stage, television and screen, Shatner portrayed Capt. James T. Kirk in the "Star Trek" sci-fi TV franchise from 1966 to 1969, and reprised the role in seven feature films in the 1980s and '90s. He has penned numerous science fiction and autobiographical novels, directed films and appeared in many other television shows as both actor and host.

Canada's Governor General is a largely ceremonial position currently held by television broadcast journalist Micha?lle Jean. She was appointed in 2005.

Whether or not Shatner becomes Canada's next Governor General, he has other things cooking here in the United States.

On May 1, he'll host the William Shatner 20th Annual Hollywood Charity Horse Show to raise funds for various charities for children.

Later this summer, Shatner plans to auction off his Harley Davidson motorcycle and other personal items as part of a larger Trek-themed charity auction in Las Vegas in June.