The Governor General is one of the most important roles in Canadian government — and a common topic on the citizenship test. This guide explains who the Governor General is, what they do, and everything you need to know for the test.
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Who Is the Governor General?
The Governor General is the representative of the Canadian Sovereign (currently King Charles III) at the federal level. Since the King does not live in Canada, the Governor General carries out the Sovereign's constitutional duties on a day-to-day basis.
The current Governor General is Mary Simon, appointed in July 2021. She is the first Indigenous person to hold the office and is Inuk from Kuujjuaq, Quebec.
Constitutional Duties
Royal Assent
The most important power of the Governor General is giving Royal Assent to bills passed by Parliament. A bill does not become law until it receives Royal Assent. In practice, the Governor General always grants Royal Assent to bills passed by both the House of Commons and the Senate.
Opening and Dissolving Parliament
The Governor General formally opens each new session of Parliament by reading the Speech from the Throne in the Senate chamber. This speech outlines the government's plans and priorities.
The Governor General also dissolves Parliament before a federal election, typically on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Swearing In the Government
When a new government is formed after an election, the Governor General:
- Swears in the Prime Minister
- Swears in Cabinet ministers
- Formally asks the leader of the party with the most seats to form the government
Commander-in-Chief
The Governor General serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces. This is largely a ceremonial role — the actual command of the military is exercised by the government through the Minister of National Defence.
Other Duties
- Hosting foreign heads of state on official visits
- Presenting national honours, awards, and decorations
- Promoting Canadian identity, unity, and volunteerism
- Visiting communities across Canada
How the Governor General Is Chosen
- The Prime Minister selects a candidate
- The Prime Minister advises the Sovereign (the King or Queen) to appoint that person
- The Sovereign formally appoints the Governor General
- The new Governor General is installed in a ceremony in the Senate
There is no election and no parliamentary vote. The Prime Minister has full discretion in recommending the appointment.
Governor General vs. Lieutenant Governor
| Role | Governor General | Lieutenant Governor |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Federal | Provincial |
| Represents | The Sovereign federally | The Sovereign in each province |
| Appointed by | Sovereign on PM's advice | Governor General on PM's advice |
| Duties | Royal Assent (federal), Speech from Throne | Royal Assent (provincial), opens legislature |
| Number | 1 | 10 (one per province) |
Note: The three territories have Commissioners instead of Lieutenant Governors.
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Key Facts for the Citizenship Test
Here are the most commonly tested facts about the Governor General:
- The Governor General represents the Sovereign in Canada
- The Governor General gives Royal Assent to bills
- The Governor General reads the Speech from the Throne
- The Governor General is appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister
- The Governor General swears in the Prime Minister and Cabinet
- The role is largely ceremonial — the Governor General acts on the advice of the Prime Minister
- Mary Simon is the first Indigenous Governor General
Historical Governors General
Some notable Governors General that may appear on the test:
| Governor General | Period | Notable Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Viscount Monck | 1867-1868 | First Governor General after Confederation |
| Lord Stanley | 1888-1893 | Donated the Stanley Cup |
| Vincent Massey | 1952-1959 | First Canadian-born Governor General |
| Jeanne Sauve | 1984-1990 | First female Governor General |
| Adrienne Clarkson | 1999-2005 | First Governor General of Chinese heritage |
| Michaelle Jean | 2005-2010 | First Governor General of Haitian heritage |
| Mary Simon | 2021-present | First Indigenous Governor General |
Practice Questions
Q: Who represents the Sovereign in Canada?
A: The Governor General
Q: What is the last step before a bill becomes law?
A: Royal Assent by the Governor General
Q: Who reads the Speech from the Throne?
A: The Governor General
Q: On whose advice is the Governor General appointed?
A: The Prime Minister
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For official study material, see Discover Canada — The Role of the Crown.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1Does the Governor General have real power?
The Governor General has significant constitutional powers but exercises them almost always on the advice of the Prime Minister. In theory, the Governor General could refuse Royal Assent to a bill or dissolve Parliament without the PM's advice, but this has not happened in modern Canadian history.
2Who appoints the Governor General?
The Governor General is appointed by the Sovereign (the King or Queen) on the advice of the Prime Minister of Canada. The appointment is a formal process but the Prime Minister effectively chooses the Governor General.
3How long does the Governor General serve?
There is no fixed term, but by convention the Governor General serves approximately 5 years. Some have served longer. The position is not elected — it is an appointment.
4Who is the current Governor General?
As of 2026, the Governor General is Mary Simon, who was appointed in July 2021. She is the first Indigenous person to hold the position, and she is Inuk from Kuujjuaq, Quebec.