Former Ontario Lieutenant Governor Lincoln Alexander is the Honorary Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police and as such, is entitled to wear an O.P.P. uniform. However, he hardly walks around pretending to be a cop at official functions.
Comedian Rick Mercer currently serves as the Honorary Colonel of 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, which means he is entitled to wear the uniform of the Canadian Forces. Former Barrie Mayor Janice Laking served as the Honorary Colonel of 16 Wing Borden from 1997 – 2006 and Conrad Black once served as the Honorary Colonel of the Governor-General’s Foot Guards in Ottawa. None have ever served in the Canadian Forces.
Granted these are honorary positions but the precedent has already been set.
The Governor-General, as Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Forces is entitled to wear the Canadian Forces Decoration on appointment, a medal that is normally awarded to Canadian Forces members after 12 years of service. The Governor-General doesn’t “earn” the medal, but is “entitled” to wear it.
Given his position as RCMP Commissioner, I think it is appropriate for Elliott to wear the uniform at official RCMP or other police functions, but nothing more. Like it or not, he has ‘earned’ the right to do so.