When a new governor general is announced, they become known as the Governor General Designate.
Following the announcement, eight main milestones must occur before they can officially assume the role of governor general.
1. Key Meetings
Upon the announcement of her appointment by the Prime Minister, the Governor General Designate prepares for her new role as Canada’s next governor general through high-level briefings.
2. Official Photo
The Governor General Designate has an official photo taken prior to installation. This photo accompanies the official biography and is also displayed in Canadian missions and military bases.
3. Coat of Arms
The Canadian Heraldic Authority works closely with the Governor General Designate to begin developing a coat of arms that is reflective of her heritage, history and personality.
4. Audience with His Majesty
As the future representative of His Majesty The King in Canada, the Governor General Designate has an audience with The King to begin building their relationship together and to discuss Crown-Canada relations.
5. Canadian Honours
During her audience with The King, the Governor General Designate is invested as an extraordinary Companion of the Order of Canada (C.C.), an extraordinary Commander of the Order of Military Merit (C.M.M.) and as the Commander of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces (C.O.M.). She receives the insignia of these orders prior to her installation.
6. Areas of Focus
The Governor General Designate prepares an installation speech that outlines her vision and the areas she hopes to focus on during her mandate.
7. Installation Ceremony
The installation is when the Governor General Designate officially becomes governor general. The ceremony, which takes place in the Senate Chamber, has many historic, symbolic and cultural elements. It is also where the installation speech is delivered.
8. Arrival at Rideau Hall
Following the installation ceremony, the newly installed Governor General makes her way to Rideau Hall, which has been the residence and workplace of governors general since 1867.
