The Conservative Government has refused to renew the appointment of Lt-Commander Terrance Christopher as Usher of the Black Rod.

Liberal PM Jean Chrétien appointed Christopher to the most senior protocol position on Parliament Hill in 2002. Christopher says Chrétien just called him and offered him the position. He had been working at the Government's reception centre at the Ottawa airport overseeing visits by heads of states and other VIP guests.

As the Usher of the Black Rod, Christopher is charged with overseeing all the protocol, administrative and logistical details of every important event on the Hill from the installation of a Governor General and state funerals to the opening of Parliament and speech from the throne ceremonies. Every day the House sits, the Black Rod can also be seen leading the daily Speaker's Parade to and from the Senate chamber.

Last February, Christopher who adores his job, asked the Government for an extension of his five-year mandate.

His term was to expire on December 9th.

The sixty-seven year old says he was shocked when the Director of Appointments, David Penner, told him in October — the day before the speech from the throne — that his term would not be renewed. Many former appointees have served for several consecutive terms. "I was quite upset actually, but I had to gather myself up and do my duty," Christopher says about carrying out his ceremonial role the next day. "I feel like I've been fired for doing a good job."

Christopher says some of the highlights of the job, which he defines as Ambassador-like, are speaking with students and mentoring young people, such as the Senate pages. He says he likes to communicate to them "the issues of Parliament, of integrity, of working together, of change but not reform." He hopes his successor will be as informed about Parliamentary history and the relationship between the Crown, the House and the Senate.

Though he is deeply saddened, Christopher says he still feels "completely honoured to be here." And to think, "a young guy from Cape Breton can be appointed to the Usher of the Black Rod!"

Christopher's last day on the job will be March 8, 2008. A short extension was granted to allow the Government to fill the position.

If you're interested in the job, the salary ranges from $88,200 to $103,800.

The application deadline is January 28th. But the poster notes, this won't be the only recruiting method.