OTTAWA, September 5, 2010 - The Government of Canada today announced that Governor General Designate David Johnston had his first official audience today with Her Majesty The Queen as her next representative in Canada. The meeting took place at Balmoral Castle, Her Majesty's summer residence in Scotland.
On this occasion, Mr. Johnston was invested as Commander of the Order of Military Merit (C.M.M.) and Commander of the Order of Merit for Police Forces (C.O.M) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Sovereign of these Orders. Her Majesty also invested his spouse, Mrs. Sharon Johnston, as Companion of the Order of Canada. Mr. Johnston has been Companion of the Order of Canada since 1997 and will hold the title of Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order upon installation.
David Johnston will become Canada's 28th Governor General on October 1, 2010. Details about the installation ceremony will be released soon. For information about the Governor General Designate, visit the Canadian Heritage website at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca. For information about Canadian honours, visit the Governor General's website at www.gg.ca
Media can obtain photos through the Press Association's newswires and obtain video footage from the BBC.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Matthew Deacon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
matthew.deacon@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
BACKGROUNDER
The Governor General Designate's Investiture to Canadian Orders
The Order of Canada
The Constitution of the Order of Canada establishes that the Governor General of Canada becomes the Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order, and the Governor General's spouse becomes Companion. Upon taking office on October 1, Mr. Johnston--who is already Companion of the Order of Canada--will become Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order.
The Order was created on July 1, 1967, to recognize Canadians who have made a difference to our country. It is Canada's highest civilian honour for lifetime achievement. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is Sovereign of the Order.
The Order of Military Merit
The Constitution of the Order of Military Merit establishes that the Governor General is the Chancellor and a Commander of the Order. Mr. Johnston was invested as Commander by Her Majesty The Queen and was presented with the insignia. He will receive the title of Chancellor upon taking office.
The Order of Military Merit was established on July 1, 1972, to recognize a career of exceptional service of distinctive merit displayed by the men and women of both the regular and reserve forces. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is Sovereign of the Order.
The Order of Merit of the Police Forces
The Constitution of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces establishes that the Governor General is the Chancellor and a Commander of the Order. Mr. Johnston was invested as Commander by Her Majesty The Queen and will receive the title of Chancellor upon taking office.
The Order of Merit of the Police Forces was created in 2000 to recognize the conspicuous merit and exceptional service of the men and women of the Canadian Police Forces. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is Sovereign of the Order.
