Governor General of Canada facts for kids
The Governor General of Canada (French: gouverneure générale du Canada) is the special representative of the King or Queen of Canada. The monarch (currently King Charles III) is also the head of state for 14 other countries and lives in the United Kingdom. Because of this, the monarch appoints a Governor General to act on their behalf in Canada. This person helps manage the government of Canada and performs many important duties.
A Governor General usually serves for about five years, though this can sometimes be longer. Since 1959, it has been a tradition to choose someone who speaks French and then someone who speaks English, alternating between them. The 30th and current Governor General is Mary Simon, who started her role on July 26, 2021. She is an Inuk leader from Nunavik, Quebec, and is the first Indigenous person to hold this important position.
The Governor General performs daily constitutional and ceremonial duties for the monarch. Constitutional duties include appointing important officials like lieutenant governors, Supreme Court judges, and senators. They also sign official documents, call and end parliamentary sessions, approve new laws, and sign commissions for officers in the Canadian Armed Forces. Ceremonial duties involve giving speeches, welcoming ambassadors from other countries, and giving out honours and awards. The Governor General almost always acts on the advice of the Prime Minister.
The role of Governor General began in the 17th century with French governors. After the British took control in 1763, British monarchs appointed governors. This makes the office one of Canada's oldest continuous institutions. The modern version of the office started with Canadian Confederation in 1867. Over time, the role became more Canadian, especially after 1931. The Governor General became the direct representative of the Canadian monarch, not the British government. In 1947, King George VI allowed the Governor General to use almost all the monarch's powers in Canada.
Quick facts for kids Governor General of Canada |
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Flag of the governor general
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Badge of the governor general
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| Style | Her Excellency the Right Honourable |
| Abbreviation | GG |
| Residence |
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| Appointer | Monarch of Canada
on the advice of the prime minister
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| Term length | At His Majesty's pleasure (generally 5 to 7 years) |
| Formation | July 1, 1867 |
| First holder | The Viscount Monck |
| Deputy | Deputies of the governor general
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| Salary | $342,100 annually |
Contents
Understanding Canada's Governor General
How a Governor General is Chosen
The position of Governor General is set out in important Canadian laws, including the Constitution Act, 1867 and special documents from King George VI in 1947. The Canadian monarch appoints the Governor General. This appointment happens on the recommendation of the Canadian prime minister. The official document for the appointment is prepared in Canada and sealed with the Great Seal of Canada.
Once chosen, the person is called the governor general-designate until they are officially sworn in. Before the ceremony, the appointee usually travels to Ottawa and prepares for their new role. They meet with important officials to ensure a smooth changeover. The monarch also meets with the appointee and their spouse. During this meeting, they are usually inducted into the Order of Canada and other special orders.
A Governor General typically serves for at least five years. However, this is a tradition, not a strict rule. The Prime Minister can recommend to the King that the Governor General stay longer. Some have served for more than seven years. If a Governor General passes away, resigns, or leaves the country for over a month, the chief justice of Canada steps in as the temporary administrator. They then carry out all the duties of the Governor General.
The Selection Process
In the early days (1867-1931), British officials chose the Governor General. However, Canada gradually gained more control over its own affairs. By 1930, it was decided that the monarch would appoint the Governor General only on the advice of the Canadian Prime Minister. This change was made official in 1931.
The Prime Minister usually suggests one name to the monarch for approval. There are often informal discussions between the Prime Minister and the monarch before the official recommendation is made. All candidates must pass background checks by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service.
Historically, Governors General were often British aristocrats or military officers. The idea of a Canadian being appointed came up as early as 1919. However, it wasn't until 1952 that Vincent Massey became the first Canadian-born Governor General. This was a big step for Canadian independence. Since then, it has become common to alternate between French-speaking and English-speaking Canadians. In 1999, Adrienne Clarkson became the first Governor General born outside Canada since 1952, and the first from a visible minority (she is of Chinese ancestry). Michaëlle Jean was the first Caribbean-Canadian Governor General. Mary Simon is the first Indigenous person to hold the office.
In 2010, a special committee was formed to help the Prime Minister find a non-political candidate. This committee was later made permanent but was disbanded in 2017. After the resignation of Governor General Payette, a new advisory group was formed, which recommended Mary Simon.
The Swearing-in Ceremony
The swearing-in ceremony is a formal event. It begins with the governor general-designate arriving at 7 Rideau Gate and then travelling to Parliament Hill. There, a Canadian Forces guard of honour greets them. The party then goes to the Senate chamber, where many important guests are gathered.
The official document from the monarch is read aloud. Then, the chief justice or another judge from the Supreme Court of Canada administers three important oaths. These are the Oath of Allegiance, the Oath of Office as Governor General and Commander-in-Chief, and the Oath as Keeper of the Great Seal of Canada. Once these oaths are signed, the person officially becomes the Governor General. At that moment, the flag of the governor general of Canada is raised on the Peace Tower. The "Vice Regal Salute" is played, and a 21-gun salute is fired. The new Governor General then gives a speech, sharing their goals for their time in office.
What the Governor General Does
The Governor General's main job is to carry out the duties of the monarch in Canada. They ensure that the government runs smoothly and fairly. They also act as a non-political guardian against any misuse of power. Most of the time, elected officials handle the daily powers of the Crown. This leaves the Governor General to focus on important public and ceremonial duties.
Important Constitutional Duties
All executive, legislative, and judicial power in Canada belongs to the monarch. The Governor General is allowed to use most of these powers on the monarch's behalf. This includes powers outlined in the Constitution Act, 1867, and other official documents. The Governor General can appoint deputies, usually Supreme Court judges, to help with these duties.
The Governor General appoints people to the King's Privy Council for Canada. By tradition, the Governor General must choose a Member of Parliament who has the support of the House of Commons of Canada to be the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister then advises the Governor General to appoint other Members of Parliament to the Cabinet. The Governor General then acts on the advice of this Cabinet. They issue royal proclamations and sign official orders. The Governor General also appoints lieutenant governors for the provinces, senators, and judges.
The advice given by the Cabinet is usually binding. The Governor General's role is mainly to advise, encourage, and warn the Prime Minister. However, in rare and important situations, the King and Governor General have special powers called reserve powers. These powers are a final check against a government misusing its authority. For example, in 1925, Prime Minister Mackenzie King asked Governor General Byng to call an election. Byng refused because an election had just happened and King's party did not have a majority. This showed that the Governor General could make important decisions in special circumstances.
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The Governor General also calls parliament into session. They read the speech from the throne, which outlines the government's plans. They can also end or temporarily suspend parliamentary sessions. The Governor General gives royal assent to bills, making them laws. They have the power to refuse a bill or send it to the King for a decision, but this is almost never done.
Ceremonial and Community Roles
The Governor General also has many ceremonial duties. They host members of Canada's royal family, as well as foreign leaders. They represent Canada on state visits to other countries. The Governor General also welcomes ambassadors from other nations to Canada.
A key part of the role is to promote national unity and pride. This involves travelling across Canada and meeting people from all regions and backgrounds. They also present national medals and awards. The Governor General gives out the Governor General's Awards and other awards linked to private organizations. During an election, the Governor General reduces public duties to remain neutral.
The Governor General acts as the commander-in-chief of the Canadian Forces on behalf of the monarch. This role involves visiting military bases in Canada and abroad. They take part in military ceremonies, greet troops, and encourage morale. The Governor General is also an honorary Colonel of three special regiments. Since 1910, the Governor General has also been the Patron Scout for Scouts Canada.
Where the Governor General Lives
Rideau Hall, located in Ottawa, is the official home for both the Canadian monarch and the Governor General. It is where the Governor General's staff and the Chancellery of Honours are located. Since 1872, Governors General have also used the Citadel (La Citadelle) in Quebec City, Quebec for part of each year. The spouse of a Governor General is known as the chatelaine of Rideau Hall.
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The Governor General's staff helps with all their duties. This team includes aides, press officers, financial managers, speech writers, and event planners. They also have chefs, waiters, and cleaning staff. These offices and support systems are called Government House. Their funding comes from the federal budget. The Governor General's salary is CAD$342,100 annually and has been taxed since 2013.
Symbols and Special Traditions
The Governor General is second only to the monarch in Canada's official order of importance. They are more important than provincial lieutenant governors in federal matters. However, at provincial events, the lieutenant governor of that province comes first. The Governor General and their spouse are called His or Her Excellency. The Governor General also receives the special title the Right Honourable for life.
The Governor General is the leader of the Order of Canada, the Order of Military Merit, and the Order of Merit of the Police Forces. They also become a Knight or Dame of Justice in the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem. As acting commander-in-chief, the Governor General also receives the Canadian Forces' Decoration. These honours are kept after their term ends.
The Viceregal Salute is played when the Governor General arrives at or leaves most official events. It combines parts of the Royal Anthem ("God Save the King") and the national anthem ("O Canada"). The Governor General's flag is flown to show their presence at any building, ship, or vehicle in Canada. This flag was adopted in 1981 and is very important.
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The crest of the Royal Arms of Canada is used as the badge of the Governor General. It appears on their flag and other items. This crest has changed several times since Confederation.
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| 1901 | 1921 | 1931 | 1953 | 1981 |
The Governor General can also wear a special military uniform. This uniform includes unique badges and sleeve braids.
A Look at History: From Colonies to Canada
Early Governors of New France and British Colonies
French colonization of North America began in the 1580s. The first unofficial governor of New France was Samuel de Champlain in the early 17th century. Later, King Louis XIV appointed Augustin de Saffray de Mésy as the first governor general in 1663.
After France gave up its North American territories to Great Britain in 1763, King George III appointed governors for the new Province of Quebec. Over time, the British decided that all their North American colonies should have one main governor, called a governor-in-chief. This role was created in 1786, with Guy Carleton, 1st Baron Dorchester as the first. Eventually, the title changed to Governor General.
Canada Gains More Independence
The Rebellions of 1837 led to big changes. The British government gave Canadian provinces more control over their own governments. This meant the Governor General became more of a symbolic leader. Elected legislatures and premiers began to exercise the Crown's authority. This was first seen in 1849 when Governor-General James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin approved a bill despite his personal doubts.
This system continued after Canada became a Dominion in 1867. The Governor General performed many parliamentary and ceremonial duties. However, the Governor General was still a link to the British government. Over time, the role became more focused on Canada. By 1926, it was formally recognized that Canada's government was equal to the United Kingdom's. This meant the Governor General would no longer represent the British government. Instead, they would only represent the monarch in Canada.
During the First World War, the Governor General's role shifted to supporting the military and boosting morale. After the war, Canadians wanted more control over their own affairs. In 1926, a political event known as the King-Byng affair highlighted the need for change. This led to formal agreements that made Canada and other Commonwealth countries fully independent. This meant the Governor General would be appointed only on the advice of the Canadian Prime Minister.
Modern Governors General and National Identity
In 1952, Vincent Massey became the first Canadian-born Governor General. This was a significant moment for Canada's identity. Following him, Georges Vanier became the first French-speaking Canadian Governor General. This started the tradition of alternating between French and English speakers.
As Canada's national identity grew, the role of the monarchy and the Governor General adapted. Later Governors General, like Roland Michener, began new practices. These included meeting regularly with lieutenant governors and undertaking state visits. He oversaw Canada's centennial celebrations in 1967. The Governor General became more active in public life, especially with the rise of television.
In 1984, Jeanne Sauvé became Canada's first female Governor General. She created the Canadian Heraldic Authority and championed youth and world peace. Later, Adrienne Clarkson brought a new energy to the office. She was the first Canadian Governor General since 1952 not born in Canada, and the first from a visible minority. She toured the country extensively and showed great dedication to the military.
Michaëlle Jean followed Clarkson, also a woman, a refugee, and a member of a visible minority. She was praised for her support of the Canadian Forces and indigenous peoples in Canada. The appointment of academic David Johnston emphasized promoting learning and innovation. He was also an expert in constitutional law.
Life After Being Governor General
Retired Governors General often either step back from public life or take on other public roles. For example, Edward Schreyer became the Canadian High Commissioner to Australia. Michaëlle Jean became a special envoy for UNESCO and later the secretary-general of La Francophonie. Schreyer was also the first former Governor General to run for elected office in Canada.
Some former Governors General have left behind special awards. These include the Stanley Cup, the Clarkson Cup, the Vanier Cup, and the Grey Cup. They may also start institutions, like the Vanier Institute of the Family by Vanier, or the Institute for Canadian Citizenship by Clarkson. Several former Governors General have also written memoirs about their experiences.
As of 2021, former Governors General receive a lifetime pension of nearly $150,000. They can also claim additional expenses each year.
| Institution | Founded by |
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| Royal Society of Canada | John Campbell, Marquess of Lorne |
| Canada's first anti-tuberculosis association | The Earl of Minto |
| The Battlefields Park | The Earl Grey |
| King George V Silver Jubilee Cancer Fund for Canada | The Earl of Bessborough |
| Vanier Institute of the Family | Georges Vanier |
| Sauvé Foundation | Jeanne Sauvé |
| Governor General Ramon John Hnatyshyn Education Fund | Ray Hnatyshyn |
| International Council for Canadian Studies | |
| The Hnatyshyn Foundation | |
| Institute for Canadian Citizenship | Adrienne Clarkson |
| Michaëlle Jean Foundation | Michaëlle Jean |
| Rideau Hall Foundation | David Johnston |
How to Write the Title: Governor General
The official way to write the title is governor general, without a hyphen. This is different from some other countries. When talking about more than one, the title is pluralized as governors general, not governor generals.
See also
In Spanish: Gobernador general de Canadá para niños
- Armorial of the governors general of Canada
- Governor General's Awards
- Governor-general
- List of awards presented by the governor general of Canada
- List of governors general of Canada
- Monarchy of Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces
- Royal Canadian Air Force VIP aircraft
