The Installation — The Governor General Designate
The installation of a new governor general is intended to officially mark the governor general designate’s assumption of office, replacing the outgoing governor general. It is a historic event which represents the most important state ceremony within Canada's constitutional and ceremonial structure.
The governor general’s installation ceremony typically takes place in the Senate Chamber of the Parliament of Canada in Ottawa. This location is symbolically significant, as the Senate Chamber is traditionally where all legislative activities conducted by the Crown in Canada occur, including the delivery of the Speech from the Throne.
Information about the ceremony
June 8, 2026, at 10:00 am (ET)
Senate of Canada Building
Ottawa ON
Watch the ceremony and visit to the National War Memorial
Download the program [PDF - 1.7 MB] of the installation ceremony
Program
Pre Ceremony
Preludes performed by the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces
Territorial Welcome
Drumming performed by Yancey Thusky, Awema Tendesi, Nika Bellemare, and Jordan Jacko of the Eagle River Singers, accompanied by dancer Keysha Two-Axe McMullin
Commissioning of the Great Seal of Canada
Lighting of the qulliq by Elder Reepa Evic-Carleton
Ceremony
Welcome by the Masters of Ceremonies
Entrance of the Processions
Indigenous Blessing by Elder Verna McGregor
La Reine by Jean-François Pauzé (Les Cowboys Fringants), performed by Sara Dufour, accompanied by Paul Théorêt
Reading of the Governor General’s Commission
Taking of the Oaths
- The Oath of Allegiance
- The Oath of Office of Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada
- The Oath of Keeper of the Great Seal of Canada
Signing of the Oath Registry
Investiture
- The Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Louise Arbour, takes her place on the throne
- 21-Gun Salute
- Fanfare
- Royal Anthem performed by the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces
- Reasons by Chimwemwe Undi (read in French by Koby Jean)
Presentation of the Collars of Office
- Order of Canada
- Order of Military Merit
- Order of Merit of the Police Forces
- Canadian Heraldic Authority
Great Seal of Canada
- Presentation of the Great Seal of Canada
Like Me and You by Raffi Cavoukian and Debi Joan Pike, performed by Tyler Shaw
Address by the Prime Minister
Address by the Governor General
Conclusion of Ceremony
- National Anthem, performed by Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, accompanied by the Serenade of Strings of the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces
- Métis fiddle performance, Red River Jig by Alicia Blore
- Departure of the Procession
Post Ceremony
Postludes performed by the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces
Signature of the Proclamation, the Government of Canada’s Golden Book, the Speaker of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Commons’ Distinguished Visitors Books
Military Honours at the National War Memorial
Laying of flowers on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Departure for Rideau Hall
