The Role of the Administrator
Information — February 18, 2021
The Administrator of the Government of Canada is sworn in to fulfil the role and responsibilities of the governor general in the event of their death, incapacity, removal or absence.
The Queen Elizabeth II Equestrian Monument
Information — June 07, 2019
The world’s first equestrian statue of Her Majesty The Queen was unveiled on Parliament Hill by Her Majesty on July 1, 1992, in honour of the 125th anniversary of Confederation and the 40th anniversary of her reign. She is depicted riding astride her horse Centenial, a gift...
Portrait of Her Majesty The Queen to mark the 150th Anniversary of Canada's Confederation
Information — September 27, 2018
A photographic portrait of Her Majesty The Queen, was released by Buckingham Palace to mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation. The portrait, by Canadian photographer Ian Leslie Macdonald, was issued as Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales...
Royal Crown - Frequently Asked Questions
Information — November 29, 2017
What are the criteria to receive permission to use the Royal Crown?Agencies of the federal, provincial/territorial government, and law enforcement bodies at the federal, provincial/territorial and municipal levels may seek permission for the use of the Royal Crown in their emblems.
It is...
Governors General Representing Canada at Home and Abroad
Information — November 20, 2017
As representatives of The Queen in Canada, governors general host numerous foreign leaders visiting Canada on State and official visits every year. As a regular practice of international relations, governors general receive reciprocal invitations to conduct visits abroad to many countries on...
Procedures for the Dissolution of Parliament and the Calling of an Election
Information — November 10, 2017
Dissolution terminates a Parliament and is followed by a general election, the date of which is set by the governor-in-council, that is, the governor general acting on the advice of the prime minister. The Constitution Act, 1982 stipulates that the House of Commons must be dissolved within five...
Ceremonial Tree Plantings
Information — November 29, 2016
Over 150 commemorative trees grace the grounds of Rideau Hall, the official residence of the governor general of Canada. They mark visits by members of the Royal Family, heads of State and other dignitaries. They also are planted for special anniversaries and at the end of a governor general’s...
Great Seal of Canada
Information — November 29, 2016
The Great Seal of Canada is one of the oldest and most venerated instruments of our government. Since the earliest days of our nation, Canada’s most important documents have been made official through its imprint. The Great Seal signifies the power and authority of the Crown flowing from the...
Official Oaths
Information — November 29, 2016
OATH OF ALLEGIANCE
I, __________, do swear (declare) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors.
So help me God.
OATH OF THE MEMBERS OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL
I, __________...
Swearing-In of Privy Councillors
Information — November 29, 2016
Privy councillors are members of The Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, established under the Constitution Act, 1867 (formerly the British North America Act) to advise the Crown. The Privy Council includes all past and present Cabinet ministers, as well as a number of distinguished persons....
Medal and/or Ribbon Replacement
Information — July 14, 2020
The Chancellery of Honours is the government body responsible for the administration and issuing of national orders, decorations and medals. If you have accidentally misplaced or damaged a medal or ribbon related to a national honour, we can be of service. Please provide the following...
Wearing of Insignia
Information — April 19, 2017
The Canadian Honours System has rules in regards to how and when an insignia should be worn. For daytime and evening functions of a less formal nature, such as Remembrance Day, Royal Canadian Legion or regimental gatherings, or some medal presentation ceremonies, guests may wear full-size medals...
Types of Honours
Information — April 19, 2017
Canadian honours come in three different categories: orders, decorations, and medals.
Order of Precedence
Information — April 18, 2017
The Canadian Honours System has rules in regards to the Order of Precedence of its various honours. The following are the Canadian Honours System post-nominals and Order of Precedence as of April 2, 1998’s Privy Council no P.C. 1998-591.
Example of the Order of Precedence and the post-...
Royal Letters Patent 1988
Information — March 06, 2017
Royal Letters Patent authorizing the granting of armorial bearings in Canada
Parts of a Coat of Arms
Information — March 06, 2017
Shield, mantling, crest, supporters: what are the parts of a coat of arms?
History of Rideau Hall
Information — November 20, 2017
Entrepreneur Thomas MacKay built Rideau Hall in 1838 as a home for his family. His villa became an official residence at Confederation in 1867, and Lord Monck was the first governor general to live here.
Collections at Rideau Hall
Information — November 19, 2017
Rideau Hall’s interiors and the collections it features are a reflection of the nation’s history and a window on Canadian culture today. Highlights of the collections are presented during the guided tour of the State rooms.
History of the Residence at the Citadelle
Information — November 18, 2017
The Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec is housed in a military building built in 1831. It was originally occupied by British garrison officers. Lord Dufferin was the first governor general to live in the Citadelle residence, in 1872.
Collections at the Citadelle
Information — November 17, 2017
The Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec showcases Canadian furniture and works of art. They represent diverse artistic and cultural traditions, past and present. Highlights are presented during the guided tour of the residence's State rooms.
Role of the Governor General Today
Information — December 06, 2017
Educational resources for grades 7 to 11 (Secondary 1 to 5)
Heraldry Colouring
Official Activity — May 29, 2020
Download and print this PDF and create your own coats of arms!
It’s An Honour!
Information — November 24, 2017
Educational resources on the Canadian Honours System for grades 4 to 12 (Grade 4 to Secondary 5)
Educational Package on Heraldry
Information — March 06, 2017
Educational package on heraldry for students ages 9 to 13
Government of Canada's Response to COVID-19
October 14, 2020
Learn about the current situation, health information, travel restrictions, financial supports and more.
Messages from the Governor General
January 07, 2021
We’re all in this together. Hear what the Governor General has to say in messages and videos.
Stories of kindness
October 14, 2020
Like millions of people around the world, we have all been asked to make changes for the greater good. Certain people have inspired us with their courage, acts of kindness, volunteer work and dedication.
Organizations helping Canadians
Official Activity — March 31, 2020
Organizations across the country are supporting Canadians during this crisis. Learn more about the organizations that give us hope and are making a difference in communities and our everyday lives.