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Symbol of the Government of Canada

Office of the Governor General

In 1859, the Governor General was the representative of the imperial Government of Britain, and was actively involved in affairs of state.

Office of the Governor GeneralWhen the East Block was designed in 1859, the role of the Governor General was very different than it is today. The Governor was the representative of the Imperial Government of Britain, and was actively involved in affairs of state.

A special entrance with a porte cochère marks the centre of the building facing the lawn. This entrance and the stairway inside were for the exclusive use of the Governor General and visiting royalty. The stairs were covered in rich red carpet, a symbol of prestige. The office is located above the entrance, part of a suite of rooms for the Governor and his staff.

The office itself is large, but not as large as those designed for Ministers of the Crown. Each of the rooms in the East Block was designed and decorated to reflect the stature of its occupant. The higher up you were in the government, the larger your office and the fancier the carvings were on the door. Wide complicated mouldings around the ceiling and stained glass in the windows were reserved for the most prestigious offices.