Governor General
Designate David Johnston,
C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M.
His Excellency delivers his first speech in the Senate Chamber after taking his oath of office.
Photo Credit: Sgt Serge Gouin, Rideau Hall
- Governor General Designate
- What is a Governor General Designate
- The Role of the Governor General
- The Appointment Process
The Governor General
Designate
On July 8, 2010, Prime Minister
Stephen Harper announced that Her Majesty The Queen had graciously agreed to the appointment of David Johnston as the 28th Governor General of Canada.
Having been appointed by the Sovereign, Mr. Johnston will be sworn into office on October 1, 2010 at a ceremony on Parliament Hill that is as rich in colour as it is in meaning. Beyond taking an oath to become Her Majesty’s representative in Canada, the Governor General Designate will become Commander in Chief of Canada. The Governor General Designate will be nominated Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order of Canada and also Chancellor and Commander of the Order of Military Merit, reflecting the important role of the Crown in recognizing Canadian excellence.
What is a Governor
General Designate
The Governor General Designate is a Canadian who has been appointed as Governor General, but who has not yet been sworn-in. He or she will keep this title until the swearing-in or installation ceremony has taken place.
During the transition period, the Governor General Designate undertakes a series of briefings with various members of government, ensuring he will be able to step into the role of Governor General without difficulty.
The Governor General Designate also usually has an opportunity to meet Her Majesty The Queen before the installation. This involves travelling to the United Kingdom. The Governor General Designate is appointed Chancellor of the Order of Canada by Her Majesty The Queen. There is usually a private meeting and a lunch or dinner at Buckingham Palace or one of Her Majesty's other private residences.
The Governor General Designate can then be sworn-in as Governor General at an installation ceremony in Canada.
The Department of Canadian Heritage is responsible for the Governor General Designate from the time of the appointment until the installation as Governor General. The Department manages the installation, supports the Governor General Designate, and ensures a smooth and seamless transition.
The Role of the
Governor General
Canada is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. The Queen is our head of state. The Queen in Canada is represented at the national level by the Governor General and at the provincial level by a
Lieutenant Governor.
‘A Governor in all but name, Samuel de Champlain fulfilled 400 years ago several duties and responsibilities that would later be carried out by the Governors of New France and after Confederation, by the Governors General of Canada.’
The office of the Governor General dates back to 1867. Until 1952, Governors General were British. The 1952 installation of Vincent Massey, the first Canadian to hold the office, reflected Canada's new sense of autonomy and identity in the post-war era.
Vincent Massey's appointment was important, marking the beginning of the modern institution of the Governor General where a Canadian represents The Queen and carries out the responsibilities of head of state. Since then, the role of the Governor General has evolved: Canada's Governor General has responsibilities such as managing the Canadian honours system, representing Canada abroad, signing the letters of credence for outgoing Canadian diplomats, signing treaties and declarations of war, and granting Canadian Coats of Arms.
To learn more about the role of the Governor General.
The Appointment
Process
Her Majesty The Queen appoints the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. It is the Prime Minister's privilege and personal responsibility to provide that advice.