On September 27, 1990, Mulroney invoked Section 26 of the Constitution Act, 1867 — a never-before-used “deadlock” clause — to ask Queen Elizabeth II to approve the appointment of eight additional senators. This move was designed to ensure the passage of the unpopular Goods and Services Tax (GST) through the Liberal-dominated Senate.

Here is how a quick hand written letter request was delivered to the Queen who was staying at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. A Challenger Air Force Jet from 412 Squadron was tasked to take two couriers to Aberdeen, Scotland, and hand-deliver a letter to the Queen. I was the Flight Steward on that trip. We had a short crew rest in Aberdeen and back to Ottawa. Probably took about two days. You may know permission was granted, but not how the letter was delivered.

Now you know.