The Queen and Canada; Residences, Governor General, etc...

[Lady Jennifer]

Ahh. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Oppie

He/She is appointed by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister.

In reality the Prime Minister tells the Queen who he wants I don't think the Queen has ever said no and I don't know if she looks at the person (or a short list) herself.

[runaway princess]

That's probably right..she has better things to do...

[Humera]

I just wanted to add my bit to the question abou Tony Blair representing the Queen. I think thats a notion some people might have if they're not familiar with constitutional monarchies. The Prime Minister, whether British or Canadian, does not represent the Queen. He is elected by the people and represents the government. Its the same in other constitutional monarchies. The Queen, and in the Canadian case her vice-regal representative the Governor General, is supposed to be above politics. Thats something I think I lot of people appreciate about constitutional monarchies, a unifying, impartial figure to look up to.
The GG's role has been explained beautifully by some of the other Canadian members. While his/her mandate is largely ceremonial with "reserve powers", every once in a while they can be called on to make really important decisions, like the fate of a minority government.

It would be interesting to see what role Mme. Jean might have to play in the near future regarding the PM's minority gov't. The former GG, Adrienne Clarkson, suggested in a farewell speech in Toronto that she played a bigger role in the political crisis this past summer than most Canadians realize.

[timtonruben359]

Originally Posted by Lady Jennifer

Question & it might sound stupid (the question ), but I really don't know that much about Canada's Politics & certain roles like the Governor General. I looked for some info on othe pages but I couldn't find a lot of info so I figured I'd ask you all.
What exactly is the Governor General's role? Is it largely ceremonial? How long is a person a Governor General for?

In Canada the roles of the Head of State and Head of Government are seperate entities. Queen Elizabeth II is Queen of Canada (a role legally seperate from her role as Queen of the UK) and Canada's Head of State, while the Prime Minister, presently Paul Martin, is the Head of Government.

Since the Queen does not live in Canada, and out of tradition spends most of her time as Queen of the United Kingdom, the Governor General of Canada is the direct representative of the Queen at the federal level of government and performs the great majority of the Queen's duties on a day-to-day basis. (The Queen is represented seperatly in each of the provinces by a Lieutenant Governor).

The Governor General is appointed by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister of Canada. When a new GG is appointed, Rideau Hall (the GG's principal residence, the Queen also stays here when in Ottawa) creates Letters Patent (a legal document granting the new GG to act as the Queen's representative at "Her Majesty's Pleasure"). This letter is given royal assent (approval) by the Queen who signs the letter than sends it back to Rideau Hall. It is later read out during the new GG's investiture ceremony.

The Governor General performs nearly of the Queen's duties and is sometimes refered to as Canada's de facto Head of State (head of state in all but name). The Governor General is Commander-In-Chief of the Canadian Armed forces, and also administers the Canadian Honours system on the Queen's behalf. He/She gives royal assent to all Canadian bills (signs them into law). The GG also represents Canada abroad often. The GG, like the Queen, is mainly a ceremonal figure who has no real political power and normally serves five to seven years in office. The GG's most important political roles are to appoint a Prime Minister after a general election, ensure that Canada always has a Prime Minister, and swear in the Prime Minister and members of the Queen's Privy Counsel (the cabient)

However, there are some duties that are the Queen's and the Queen's alone. Only the Queen can create a new official Canadain Honour (eg the Order of Canada). Only the Queen can approve adding additional seats to the Sentate. Only the Queen can approve a new province to enter Canada. Only the Queen can appoint and dismiss a Governor General. Only the Queen can approve the extention of a GG's term in office. All Political Power is invested in the Queen (in reality however, the Prime MInister has all the political power, but this is why all laws are past in the Queen's name). The Queen is COmmander-in-Cheif of Canada (however since 1947, the GG has performed the role in order to have a resident C and C). Also, the Queen must give her approval if the GG wishes to leave Canada for any reason.

[Princejohnny25]

I had no idea they did this. I was just fliping through the channels and I stumbled upon it. It is really nice. Does only Canada do it or do other commonwealth realms do it. I love GG Michaëlle Jean. She is so charismatic. Her eyes ooze optimism and she has that enthusiastc smile. She is a great leader for Canada. I love her voice and accent. You also get a nice view of Rideau Hall.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories (includes video of the speech)

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/natio...ear060101.html

[pollyemma]

Originally Posted by Princejonnhy25

I had no idea they did this. I was just fliping through the channels and I stumbled upon it. It is really nice. Does only Canada do it or do other commonwealth realms do it. I love GG Michaëlle Jean. She is so charismatic. Her eyes ooze optimism and she has that enthusiastc smile. She is a great leader for Canada. I love her voice and accent. You also get a nice view of Rideau Hall.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories (includes video of the speech)

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/natio...ear060101.html

so is she the queen's represenative in Canada?

[Princejohnny25]

Yes she is Her Majestys represenitive in Canada. The Dominions de facto head of state.

[pollyemma]

Originally Posted by Princejonnhy25

Yes she is Her Majestys represenitive in Canada. The Dominions de facto head of state.

does the queen pick the person? does the incoming GG travel to buckingham palace to get invested? (that would be so cool for them!)

[Princejohnny25]

The Queen appoints them by advise from the Prime Minister of their respective nations. They do not travel to Buckingham Palace though they might meet the Queen. This one traveled to Balmoral with her whole family and met the Queen. It was a very informal meeting and the Queen looked like an old granny during the meeting. I loved it. They have an investiture ceremony in their respective captials. Thats when I fell in love with Michaelle. There was controversy over her in the begining but watching the investiture ceremony and hearing her speech she really proved herself.

[Princejohnny25]

http://www.gg.ca/media/doc.asp?lang=e&DocID=4651

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean
New Year Message

Recorded at Rideau Hall, Monday, December 19, 2005


"Dear Friends,
I am pleased to offer you greetings as we look back on some of the events that shaped 2005 and called on us all to stand together. This past year will be remembered for its harshness. You may recall that it began on a tragic note with the tsunami that devastated entire populations in Southeast Asia. Several other natural disasters struck other regions of the world. The flooding in Haiti and New Orleans, hurricanes along the Florida coastline, the earthquake in Pakistan, to name but a few.........."

P.S. Elections were held today in Canada after the goverment collapsed in December. The State Opening of Parliament will take place soon and it will be the New GG's first one. I for one am exited to see Michaelle open parilament and hear her read the speech. I will make sure to post a bunch of pics when it happens. Also, is the Canada the only Commonwealth realm where the GG does a New Years speech. What is the history behind it.

[Von Schlesian]

Originally Posted by Princejohnny25

Also, is the Canada the only Commonwealth realm where the GG does a New Years speech.

In Australia The Governor-General places the emphasis on Her Majesty The Queens' Christmas speech, but as we have a national day of celebration just over a month after Christmas, they don't record a New Years speech. Following the same logic, the presentation of awards of the Australia Day Honours List occurs on Ausatralia Day (26th of January), rather than on New Years Day (our other main presentation being HM The Queen's official Birthday).

[Humera]

Stephen Harper is sworn-in as Canada's Prime Minister as Governor General Michaelle Jean (R) looks on during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, February 6, 2006. (Chris Wattie/Reuters)



Stephen Harper (R) reacts to applause after being sworn-in as Canada's Prime Minister during a ceremony at Rideau Hall with Governor General Michaelle Jean (L) in Ottawa February 6, 2006. Harper was sworn-in as Canada's 22nd Prime Minister Monday. REUTERS/Chris Wattie & AP/Canadian Press


Canada's Governor General Michaelle Jean and Prime Minister Stephen Harper talk during the swearing-in ceremony in Ottawa Monday Feb. 6, 2006. Harper was sworn in as Canada's 22nd prime minister.(AP PHOTO/Adrian Wyld/CP)

[Humera]

Prime Minister Stephen Harper (bottom row, fourth from left) poses for a photograph with his new cabinet and Governor General Michaelle Jean (beside Harper) after a swearing-in ceremony in Ottawa, Monday, Feb. 6, 2006.(AP PHOTO/Fred Chartrand/CP)



Governor General Michaelle Jean congratulates Prime Minister Stephen Harper after he was sworn in as Canada's 22nd prime minister in Ottawa, Monday, Feb. 6, 2006. (AP PHOTO/CP, Adrian Wyld)

[Humera]

Screencaps
The Governor-General, her husband Jean Daniel-Lafond and PM Harper

[Australian]

Your Governor-General seems like a warm and nice person, very photogenic. :)

[Humera]

I agree Australian, from what I've observed so far, the media seems to love her.


Polfoto 17-02-2006 Music producer David Foster was invested to the Order of Canada as an officer by Gov. General Michaelle Jean during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Friday, Feb. 17, 2006. The Victoria-born music impresario donned his humanitarian hat Thursday to announce that after 20 years of helping British Columbia families with children who need organ transplants, his foundation is going national. Established in 1986, the David Foster Foundation helps fund non-medical needs of families who have a child undergoing an organ transplant. (AP Photo/CP, Fred Chartrand & Reuters)


Canadian actor Steve Smith (L) is congratulated by Governor General Michaelle Jean after being awarded the rank of Member in the Order of Canada at Rideau Hall in Ottawa February 17, 2006. The award is to recognize outstanding achievement and service in various fields of human endeavour and is the country's highest honor for lifetime achievement. REUTERS/Chris Wattie


Canadian physicist Richard Taylor (L) reacts with Governor General Michaelle Jean after being awarded the rank of Companion in the Order of Canada. Taylor won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1990. REUTERS/Chris Wattie


Canadian jazz vocalist Ranee Lee (L) is congratulated by Governor General Michaelle Jean after being awarded the rank of Member in the Order of Canada.REUTERS/Chris Wattie


Canadian computer pioneer Mers Kutt (L) is congratulated by Governor General Michaelle Jean after being awarded the rank of Member in the Order of Canada. Kutt is recognized as the inventor of the first personal computer. REUTERS/Chris Wattie


Canadian businessman Brian MacNeill (L) is congratulated by Governor General Michaelle Jean after being awarded the rank of Member in the Order of Canada. MacNeill is Petro-Canada's chairman of the board and chair of Dofasco's board of directors. REUTERS/Chris Wattie


Canadian entertainer Jean-Guy Moreau (L) is awarded the rank of Member in the Order of Canada by Governor General Michaelle Jean at Rideau Hall in Ottawa February 17, 2006. REUTERS/Chris Wattie