The Queen's representatives

The Governor General is The Queen's representative in Canada. In Her Majesty's absence, he represents the Crown in Canada and carries out the duties of representing the Head of State.

Appointed by The Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister, the Governor General usually holds office for five years. Lieutenant Governors fulfill the responsibilities and functions of The Queen in the provinces in the same way that the Governor General does at the national level.

The role and responsibilities of the Governor General

In 1947, "Letters Patent Constituting the Office of the Governor General of Canada" (under King George VI), authorized the Governor General to exercise the Crown's head of state powers on behalf of the Sovereign.

The Governor General has important parliamentary responsibilities. Some of these include:

  • summoning, proroguing and dissolving Parliament;
  • setting out the government's program by reading the Speech from the Throne; and
  • giving Royal Assent, which makes acts of Parliament into law.

The Governor General is also Commander-in-Chief of Canada. He visits military bases and honours Canadian military personnel on behalf of the Queen.

The Governor General also fulfills important ceremonial duties, such as:

  • recognizing the achievements of outstanding Canadians;
  • receiving foreign dignitaries;
  • travelling overseas as the representative of Canada's Head of State; and
  • hosting and taking part in official events

Lieutenant Governors

Each of the ten Canadian provinces has a Lieutenant Governor. He is appointed by the Governor General, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, usually for five years.

In the provinces, Lieutenant Governors once represented the Governor General. They now act as direct representatives of The Queen.

The Lieutenant Governor's constitutional duties include (among others):

  • swearing in the Executive Council;
  • opening each session of Parliament; and
  • providing the Royal Assent needed for bills to become law.

The Lieutenant Governor ceremonial and community functions include (among others):

  • acting as the Province's official host;
  • supporting social causes; and
  • recognizing outstanding citizens.

Canadian Heritage Resources

A Crown of Maples: Constitutional Monarchy in Canada

Other Resources

Governor General of Canada

Parliament of Canada

Lieutenant Governors of Canada