Governor general installation ceremonies
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Recent ceremonies
The installation ceremony of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon
About
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 an 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.
Each installation ceremony is unique, reflecting the personal preferences and interests of the governor general designate, as well as the ongoing evolution of the office of the governor general. There are, however, certain ceremonial elements that traditionally take place during each installation ceremony.
Ceremonial elements
Procession
A procession begins from the Senate Foyer to the Senate Chamber, led by the usher of the Black Rod, who is the Sovereign’s personal attendant and messenger in Canadian Parliament. The procession demarcates the event taking place from the regular order of business and establishes it as a special event of solemn character and national importance.
Indigenous blessing
To mark the start of the ceremony, a blessing is offered to honour the Algonquin land, ancestors and community where the event is taking place.
Reading of the governor general’s commission
The governor general’s commission is read by the secretary to the governor general, in the presence of the chief justice of the Supreme Court and members of the Canadian Ministry. The reading is a necessary part of the investiture of a new governor general and required by the Letters Patent Constituting the Office of Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada (1947). The public nature of this reading is one of the reasons why the installation of a new governor general takes the form of a public ceremony. It also offers an opportunity to explain the role and responsibilities of the governor general.
The oaths and investiture
The chief justice of Canada reads the three oaths that the governor general designate will affirm: the Oath of Allegiance, the Oath of the Office of the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, and the Oath of the Keeper of the Great Seal of Canada. The oaths are signed by the governor general designate, the prime minister, the chief justice of Canada and the clerk of the Privy Council in the Oath Book before the governor general designate’s official investiture.
21-gun salute
As commander-in-chief of Canada, it is customary that a 21-gun salute is fired as the governor general takes their place upon the Throne in the Senate Chamber, after taking their oaths of office.
Presentation of the collars of office
The governor general of Canada is the Chancellor of the Order of Canada, of the Order of Military Merit, and of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, as well as the Head of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. Presenting their respective collars of office during the installation represents the governor general’s assumption of authority over these programs. The collars of office are worn when the governor general presides over their respective ceremonial events.
Presentation of the Great Seal of Canada
The Great Seal of Canada confers the legitimacy, authority and will of the Crown on State documents in Canada. The registrar general of Canada, currently the minister of Industry, accompanied by the deputy registrar general, currently the deputy minister of Industry, will present the Great Seal to the governor general as the Seal’s formal custodian. The Seal is then bestowed on the registrar general for use and safe keeping.
Adress by the prime minister
The prime minister speaks to Canadians before the newly appointed governor general delivers their first address to the nation from the Throne.
Adress by the governor general
The governor general’s installation speech presents the themes and priorities which will inform the vision of their mandate.
National anthem of Canada
The national anthem is performed by a Canadian artist.
Recession
The governor general, the prime minister, and the speaker of the Senate, will depart the Senate Chamber for the Foyer, led by the usher of the Black Rod. Other participants and guests remain seated until the recessional exit is complete.
Official signatures
The governor general is escorted to the Senate Speaker’s Salon where they sign the Proclamation marking their appointment, the Government of Canada’s Golden Book, and the Distinguished Visitor’s Books of the Senate and House of Commons. The signing of the various documents is the counterpart to the public declarations during the ceremony, both elements conferring legitimacy to the governor general’s installation and assumption of office.
Inspection of the Guard of Honour and 21-gun salute
Led by the usher of the Black Rod, the governor general exits the Senate and proceeds to the saluting dais. The Guard of Honour presents their arms and fires a 21-gun salute; the Vice-Regal Salute is played by a band from the Canadian Armed Forces before and after the governor general inspects the Guard, upon invitation from the guard commander. As commander-in-chief of Canada, it is customary to provide full military honours and salutes, including a 21-gun salute, to the governor general on their leaving the Senate Building after their installation ceremony.
Visit to the National War Memorial
Since the Letters Patent, 1947 were signed by King George VI, the governor general of Canada executes most of the duties of the Sovereign, including in their role as commander-in-chief; consequently, the governor general also uses the title commander-in-chief of the Canadian Armed Forces. As such, it is customary for the governor general to visit the National War Memorial and pay their respects and salute the Unknown Soldier.
