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 live from Ottawa
Program
Pre Ceremony
Arrival of guests
Territorial Welcome
Ceremony
Welcome by Master of Ceremonies
Entrance of the Processions
Indigenous Blessing
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, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Louise Arbour, takes her place on the throne
- 21-Gun Salute
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
Address by the Prime Minister
Address by the Governor General
Conclusion of Ceremony
- National Anthem
- Departure of the Procession
Post Ceremony
Signature of the Proclamation, the Government of Canada’s Golden Book, the Speaker of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Commons’ Guest Books
Military Honours at the National War Memorial
Laying of flowers on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Departure for Rideau Hall