OTTAWA, September 27, 2010 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today revealed details about the installation ceremony of Governor General Designate David Johnston, which will be held October 1, 2010.
"The installation of a new Governor General is a historic event that is one of our country's most important state ceremonies. Although there are certain elements that never change, such as the swearing in, each installation ceremony is unique and reflects the individuals involved," said Minister Moore. "Canadians will see some very special touches in this installation that reflect the Governor General's dedication to service and his special interest in family and community, learning and education, and philanthropy and volunteerism."
The installation ceremony comprises the following seven elements:
- Arrival on Parliament Hill
- Greeting in the Rotunda and Hall of Honour
- Ceremony in the Senate Chamber
- Greeting in the Senate Foyer following the ceremony
- Reception in the Hall of Honour
- Departure from Parliament Hill
- Arrival at Government House
Special touches have been added to the arrival and greeting in the Hall of Honour and to the greeting in the Foyer.
Arrival on Parliament Hill: Mr. and Mrs. Johnston will arrive on Parliament Hill and be greeted by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Mrs. Harper, and the Leader of the Government in the Senate, Senator Marjory LeBreton.
Greeting in the Rotunda and Hall of Honour: As Mr. and Mrs. Johnston walk down the Hall of Honour to the Senate Chamber, they will be greeted by individuals from each province and territory, each representative of the diverse nature of Canadian society and Canadian accomplishment. They will each present Mr. and Mrs. Johnston with a rose, extending best wishes on behalf of their respective province or territory. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston will place the 26 roses in a vase and enter the Senate Chamber for the installation ceremony. Later in the day, the roses will be placed on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial.
Ceremony: The ceremony in the Senate Chamber is the heart of the installation of a new Governor General. The Prime Minister speaks, and then the Secretary to the Governor General reads the commission of office. The oath is administered by the Chief Justice of Canada. The Vice-Regal Salute is played, and a 21-gun salute is fired. The Canadian Honours of the Governor General and the Great Seal of Canada are presented. These all occur in the presence of the Ministry. The Governor General then delivers his address, which lays out for Canadians the themes of his mandate.
Greeting in the Senate Foyer: After the swearing-in ceremony, Their Excellencies will be greeted in the Senate foyer by 143 special Canadians--2010 is the 143rd anniversary of Confederation--who exemplify service to community and country. These will include youth and veterans, representing past and future service.
Reception: Their Excellencies will have an opportunity to meet guests and participants from the ceremony.
Departure from Parliament Hill and Arrival at Government House: Their Excellencies will exit the Centre Block. Mr. Johnston will receive a Royal Salute, a 21-gun salute, and he will inspect the Guard of Honour for the first time as Canada's 28th Governor General. Their Excellencies will then travel by landau to the National War Memorial, where they will place the bouquet of roses that were collected earlier during the ceremony on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They will then depart for Rideau Hall.
For information about the role of the Governor General and Canadian honours, visit the Governor General's website at www.gg.ca.
Jean-Luc Benoît
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
jean-luc.benoit@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
