Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador |
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Flag of the lieutenant governor of Newfoundland and Labrador
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Emblem of the lieutenant governor
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Incumbent
Joan Marie Aylward since 14 November 2023 |
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| Viceroy | |
| Style | His/Her Honour the Honourable |
| Residence | Government House, St. John's |
| Appointer | The governor general on the advice of the prime minister |
| Term length | At the governor general's pleasure |
| Formation | 31 March 1949 |
| First holder | Sir Albert Walsh |
| Website | www.govhouse.nl.ca |
The lieutenant governor of Newfoundland and Labrador is a special representative. They represent the King or Queen of Canada in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. This role is similar to other provincial representatives across Canada. The lieutenant governor carries out many of the monarch's official duties. These duties include both important government tasks and special public ceremonies.
The current lieutenant governor is Joan Marie Aylward. She is the 15th person to hold this position. She started her role on November 14, 2023.
What the Lieutenant Governor Does
The lieutenant governor of Newfoundland and Labrador has many important jobs. These include both official government duties and public appearances.
For example, the lieutenant governor often acts as a patron or honorary member for various groups in Newfoundland and Labrador. They are also automatically made the Honorary Chief of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. They are also the Honorary Colonel of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment.
The lieutenant governor also gives out special awards. They present the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador to deserving people. They also become a Knight or Dame of Justice in the Venerable Order of Saint John. Other awards include the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence in Public Administration. They also present the Newfoundland War Service Volunteer Medal. These awards are given at official ceremonies. The lieutenant governor attends hundreds of events each year. They might host these events or be the guest of honour. For example, in 2006, they attended 418 events. In 2007, they attended 444 events.
At these events, you can often see the lieutenant governor's special flag. This flag is blue and shows the Arms of Newfoundland and Labrador. It has a crown on top and ten gold maple leaves around it. These leaves stand for Canada's ten provinces. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the lieutenant governor is second only to the King or Queen in importance. They are even more important than other members of the Canadian Royal Family or the King's main representative in Canada.
History of the Role
The role of lieutenant governor of Newfoundland began in 1949. This was when Newfoundland joined Canada. Before this, there was a similar role called the proprietary governor.
Since 1949, 14 people have served as lieutenant governor. The person who served for the shortest time was Albert Walsh. He was lieutenant governor from April to September 1949. The longest-serving lieutenant governor was Leonard Outerbridge. He held the position from 1949 to 1957. The first woman to become lieutenant governor was Judy Foote. She served from 2018 to 2023.
See also
- Monarchy in the Canadian provinces
- Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Lieutenant Governors of Canada
