Canadian Heritage
pch.gc.ca
On July 8, 2010, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that Her Majesty The Queen had graciously accepted the name of David L. Johnston to become 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, the Governor General Designate will assume the duties as Her Majesty's representative, including the role as Commander in Chief of the Canadian Forces. The Governor General Designate will be presented with the insignia of the Order of Canada and the Order of Military Merit, reflecting the important role of the Crown in recognizing Canadian excellence.
David Johnston began his professional career as an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Law at Queen's University in 1966, moving to the Law Faculty at the University of Toronto in 1968. He became Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Western Ontario in 1974. In 1979 he was named Principal and Vice-Chancellor of McGill University; and in July 1994, he returned to the McGill Faculty of Law as a full-time professor. In June 1999, he became the fifth President of the University of Waterloo. More
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.
The Governor General Designate and his or her family are usually invited to reside at 7 Rideau Gate, located across from Rideau Hall in Ottawa. Moving the Governor General Designate close to Rideau Hall helps ensure a smooth transition to office.
During the transition time, the Governor General Designate undertakes a series of high-level briefings with senior officials, ensuring he or she 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 could involve travelling to the United Kingdom. The Governor General Designate and his or her spouse are invested as Companions of the Order of Canada by 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 installation of a new Governor General is intended to officially mark his or her assumption of office, replacing the outgoing Governor General.
The installation of a new Governor General is a historic event and represents the most important state ceremony within Canada's constitutional and ceremonial structure.
Each installation ceremony is unique and reflects the preferences of the individuals involved and the ongoing evolution of the office of the Governor General.
The events surrounding the installation may take the form of a reception or dinner hosted by the Prime Minister, a meeting with Members of the Ministry at Rideau Hall, meetings with Lieutenant Governors of the provinces, etc. This allows all guests attending the ceremonies to congratulate Their Excellencies on the swearing in of the new Governor General.
The guests who attend the ceremonies include a broad and representative list of distinguished Canadians. For the most part, the list of invitees includes dignitaries and Members of Parliament listed in the Order of Precedence. The Prime Minister and the new Governor General Designate can invite guests as well.
Regardless of the details, the element that cannot change is when the Governor General Designate swears an oath or solemnly affirms his or her allegiance. The most senior justice of the Supreme Court of Canada administers this oath.
Another key element of the installation is the Governor General's first address to the nation. This speech will set out the Governor General's vision for his or her term of office in bringing to life the important and ongoing role of the Canadian Crown in the life of our country and its citizens.
As the newly installed Governor General completes his or her oath, the Governor General's flag is raised on the building where the installation occurs. Upon exiting the ceremony, he or she will be accorded the Vice-Regal Salute for the first time as Governor General before inspecting a Guard of Honour.
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.
The office of the Governor General dates back nearly 400 years to 1608, when Samuel de Champlain acted as the Governor of New France. 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 Crown and carries out the responsibilities of head of state. Since then, the role of the Governor General has evolved: Canada's Governors General have taken on 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.
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. The Government of Canada is accordingly responsible for this decision, and does not delegate responsibility on this matter.
