Privy Council membership has its privileges

On the occasion of the addition of three new privy councillors to the roster, here, courtesy of the PCO website, are a few of the perks that come with the job -- which is a lifetime appointment, and can only be revoked by the governor general (or, presumably, the sovereign herself):

• The right to be styled as "Honourable," and add the initials P.C., for Privy Councillor, after your name
• The only credentials necessary - and, indeed, accepted - to be able to receive (and, one assumes, protect) cabinet confidences, which would include, but is not limited to, information related to national security matters
• The right, albeit largely theoretical, to attend a gathering of the full Privy Council, which happens very rarely, and is a largely ceremonial affair, with the last formal meeting held in 1981 to consent to the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana 
• The even more theoretical right to advise the sovereign on the occasion that -- well, she asks you what you think about something
• Finally, upon your death, the ceremonial half-masting of the flag on all federal buildings in your place of residence from the notification of your death until sunset on the day of the funeral or memorial service, and on the Peace Tower for the duration of the day of the funeral

Aside from all living former ministers and prime ministers, privy council membership is automatically offered to the Chief Justice of Canada, as well as all former speakers of the House of Commons and Senate and all former governors general, and is often extended to outgoing premiers, such as the late Peter Lougheed, as well.

Other notable members include: Prince Philip, Ed Broadbent, Maurice Strong, Conrad Black, Charles Bronfman, and Michael Ignatieff.

Finally, the oath sworn by new privy councillors prior to official installation:

I, __________, do solemnly and sincerely swear (declare) that I shall be a true and faithful servant to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, as a member of Her Majesty's Privy Council for Canada. I will in all things to be treated, debated and resolved in Privy Council, faithfully, honestly and truly declare my mind and my opinion. I shall keep secret all matters committed and revealed to me in this capacity, or that shall be secretly treated of in Council. Generally, in all things I shall do as a faithful and true servant ought to do for Her Majesty.

So help me God.