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The Governor General of Canada

The Governor General of Canada

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon

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Crown

History happens here

Canada’s unique system of government has evolved from centuries-old traditions of constitutional monarchy in France and England to meet our country’s particular needs and circumstances. Comprised of the Sovereign, the House of Commons, the Senate, and the 13 provincial and territorial legislatures, it is a shared system of responsible government that functions through both written rules and unwritten conventions.

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Governor General Simon and King Charles III sitting in chairs. There is a fireplace behind them.

Sovereign and Royal Family

His Majesty King Charles III, as king of Canada and Canada’s head of State, is the personal embodiment of the Canadian Crown. As representatives of the Crown, the governor general and provincial lieutenant governors act on The King’s behalf. In Canada, the power to govern is vested in the Crown but is entrusted to elected governments to exercise on behalf of the people.

Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning monarch in Canadian and Commonwealth history. Throughout her extraordinary reign, she became the most widely travelled monarch, visiting more than 100 countries, often accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. The Queen delighted in meeting with people from all walks of life and in recognizing their contributions to society.

Black wrought iron gates mounted with golden detailing and a crest of a wreath with gold lettering, surmounted by a crown.

Coronation Service of His Majesty King Charles III

Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Whit Fraser undertook an official visit to the United Kingdom to attend the Coronation Service and celebrations of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen Consort.

Les armoiries des lieutenants-gouverneurs des provinces et des commissaires territoriaux sont accrochées à un mur.

Viceregal Representatives

The governor general, lieutenant governors and territorial commissioners meet annually to discuss matters of mutual interest and how they can better serve Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

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