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• Photo -- Her Majesty The Queen
  Canada is a constitutional monarchy. Basically, that type of government means that the laws which govern Canada (the Constitution) recognize Queen Elizabeth II as Canada's Head of State. The Canadian Constitution dates back to Confederation. In 1867, the British Parliament passed the British North America Act, the founding document of Canada as an independent nation. Drafted by Canadians who became known as the Fathers of Confederation, the document stated: "The Executive Government and Authority of and over Canada is hereby declared to continue and be vested in The Queen". In 1982, the Canadian Parliament passed the Constitution Act 1982, which provided, for the first time in our country's history, a way of amending or changing the Constitution without having to obtain the approval of the British Parliament each time a change was required. This patriation or "bringing home" of the Canadian Constitution did not alter The Queen's status in Canada as Head of State. Her personal representative in Canada remains the Governor General, whose powers and authorities are detailed in the Letters Patent Constituting the Office of the Governor General of Canada" (1 October 1947). As in many constitutional monarchies, there is a clear separation in roles between the Head of State and the Head of Government. Canada's Head of State is The Queen who is represented by the Governor General. The Governor General is appointed by The Queen on the advice of the Canadian Prime Minister; Canada's Head of Government is the Prime Minister who is an elected representative.
  
  
• Photo -- Governor General Roméo LeBlanc and Mrs. Diana Fowler LeBlanc (His Excellency the Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc, P.C., C.C., C.M.M., C.D., Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada)
  The Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc was born in Memramcook (L'Anse-Aux-Cormier), New Brunswick in 1927. Mr. LeBlanc was educated at l'Université St-Joseph, Memramcook, where he obtained a B.A. in 1948 and a B.Ed. in 1951. He also attended l'Université de Paris from 1953 to 1955, where he studied French Civilization. Mr. LeBlanc was employed as a teacher at Drummond High School, New Brunswick (1951-1953) and at the New Brunswick Teachers' College, Fredericton (1955-1959). In 1960, Mr. LeBlanc began a career in journalism and became a correspondent for Radio-Canada in Ottawa (1960-1962), the United Kingdom (1962-1965) and the United States (1965-1967). In 1965, he became the Founding President of the CBC/Radio-Canada Correspondents' Association. He served as Press Secretary to the Right Honourable Lester B. Pearson from 1967 to 1968 and to the Right Honourable Pierre Elliott Trudeau from 1968 to 1971. From 1971 to 1972, he was the Assistant to the President and Director of Public Relations at l'Université de Moncton. First elected to the House of Commons in 1972 representing Westmorland-Kent, New Brunswick, Mr. LeBlanc served for ten years as a Minister of the Crown. He held the portfolios of Minister of State (Fisheries) (1974-1976), Minister of Fisheries and the Environment (1976-1979), Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (1980-1982), and Minister of Public Works and Minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the National Capital Commission (1982-1984). Between 1974 and 1984, he made official visits to the USSR (twice), Poland, Cuba, the EEC, the United Kingdom and France. He was also a Member of the delegation to the United Nations Law of the Sea Conference from 1974 to 1979. In addition, Mr. LeBlanc served on the following Cabinet Committees: External Affairs and Economic Affairs (1974-1982); Communications (1974-1984), serving as Chairman from 1976 to 1981; Priorities and Planning (1975-1984); and Social Affairs (1982-1984). Mr. LeBlanc was summoned to the Senate of Canada on June 29, 1984. While a Senator, he was a Member of the Canada-France Parliamentary Association and the International Association of French-speaking Parliamentarians. He also served on the following Senate Committees: Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration (1984-1993), serving as Chairman from 1989 to 1993; Foreign Affairs (1986-1994); and the Sub-Committee on Security and National Defence (1992-1994). He was appointed Speaker of the Senate on December 7, 1993. In 1985-1986, Mr. LeBlanc was a Visiting Scholar at the Institute of Canadian Studies, Carleton University, Ottawa. He has also been a part-time Faculty Member, Canadian Studies (Current Issues Seminar), at Concordia University in Montreal. He has received a Doctorate of Civil Law, honoris causa, from Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick (1977), a "Doctorat en Administration publique, honoris causa", from the Université de Moncton, New Brunswick (1979) and a Doctorate of Laws, honoris causa, from Université Sainte-Anne, Nova Scotia (1995). Mr. LeBlanc was appointed Governor General of Canada on 22 November 1994 and was sworn into office on 8 February 1995. Mr. LeBlanc is married to Diana Fowler and they have four children.
  (Her Excellency Mrs. Diana Fowler LeBlanc, C.C. )
  Born in Toronto, Ontario in 1940, Diana Fowler LeBlanc was educated at King's Hall, Compton, Quebec. She obtained a diploma in French Civilization from the University of Paris in 1959. In 1960, Mrs. LeBlanc interrupted her degree in French and Spanish at McGill University in Montréal and returned to Paris where she worked in the news room of Radio-Canada. She transferred to the CBC London (U.K.) office where she remained until 1964. From 1969 to 1980, Mrs. LeBlanc held various organizational and administrative positions in a number of different fields including medicine, law, sales and marketing, engineering and music publishing. From 1980 to 1989, she worked as a medical conference organiser for the Spastics Society of London, and subsequently was associated with a number of projects for the British Heart Foundation, and the British and International Societies for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (BSPCAN and ISPCAN). During that time, Mrs. LeBlanc also organized educational courses in Developmental Paediatrics for doctors and therapists concerned with cerebral palsy and other childhood diseases. Between 1989 and 1992, while still in London, Mrs. LeBlanc worked as Committee Secretary for Libertas, a non-profit charity to help people with a variety of disabilities, and did volunteer work for Mobility Trust, a charitable organization for people with impaired mobility. Mrs. LeBlanc has recently completed a degree in Social Work, and has a special interest in oncology, mental health and palliative care.
  
  
• Photo-- Speech from the Throne
  (Governor General Roméo LeBlanc reads the Speech from the Throne; Second Session of the 35th Parliament; 27 February, 1996) The Office of the Governor General includes a number of responsibilities which are constitutional and traditional in nature. These responsibilities fall under six major themes: The Crown in Canada, Canadian Sovereignty, Recognition of Excellence, National Identity, National Unity and Moral Leadership. The Governor General fulfills a number of obligations associated with The Crown in Canada (the legal entity which embodies the Government). The Parliament of Canada is made up of three elements -- The Queen, an appointed Upper House called the Senate, and an elected Lower House called the House of Commons. The consent of all three elements is needed for the passage of legislation. The Queen, represented by the Governor General or an appointed deputy, gives Royal Assent to bills passed by the House of Commons and the Senate, thereby establishing the bills as Acts of Parliament (the laws of Canada). The Governor General also summons, prorogues (ends a session) and dissolves Parliament (ends Parliament until a new one is sworn in after an election); delivers the Speech from the Throne at the opening of sessions (outlining the Government's plans for legislation) and signs State documents (documents requiring and authorizing particular appointments and actions) such as Orders-in-Council, commissions and pardons.
  
  
• Photo -- Swearing-In Ceremony
  (Governor General Roméo LeBlanc presides over the swearing-in of the Honourable John Manley, Minister of Industry; 29 March, 1995) The Governor General presides over the swearing-in of the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, Cabinet Ministers and many other members of the Privy Council.
  
  
• Photo -- The Prime Minister
  (Governor General Roméo LeBlanc with Prime Minister Jean Chrétien; Canada Day celebrations, Parliament Hill; 1 July, 1995) By constitutional convention, the Governor General has the right to be consulted, to encourage and to warn. One of the Governor General's most important responsibilities is to ensure that Canada always has a Prime Minister. Should this position become vacant through death, resignation, parliamentary stalemate or party dissension, the Governor General must identify a replacement.
  
  
• Photo -- Royal Visits
  (Former Governor General Ramon John Hnatyshyn and The Queen during Her Majesty's visit from 27 June-1 July, 1990) The Governor General receives The Queen and other members of the Royal Family on royal visits to Canada.
  
  
• Photo -- Receiving Heads of State
  (Governor General Roméo LeBlanc with His Excellency Kim Young Sam, President of the Republic of Korea; Rideau Hall; 19 October, 1995)
  
  
• Photo -- Receiving Heads of State
  (Governor General Roméo LeBlanc speaking at a State Luncheon at Rideau Hall in honour of the Honourable William J. Clinton, President of the United States of America and Mrs. Hillary Clinton, Rideau Hall; 23 February, 1995) The theme Canadian Sovereignty includes duties which reinforce the concept of Canada at home and abroad as a sovereign (independent) and unified country. As well as receiving visiting Heads of State and foreign dignitaries in Canada, the Governor General makes State visits to foreign countries.
  
  
• Photo-- State Visits
  (Former Governor General Ramon John Hnatyshyn is welcomed in Kiev during his State Visit to the Ukraine; 29 September, 1992) State visits by the Governor General are an important instrument of Canadian foreign policy and an effective means by which to further Government policies on economic, cultural, industrial or humanitarian affairs.
  
  
• Photo-- Inspection of the Guard
  (Governor General Roméo LeBlanc inspects the Governor General's Foot Guards at Rideau Hall; 8 February, 1995)
  
  
• Photo-- Letters of Credence
  (Governor General Roméo LeBlanc receiving the Letters of Credence of His Excellency Mouhoussine Nacro, Ambassador of Burkina Faso; Rideau Hall; 16 May 1995)
  
  
• Photo-- Letters of Commission
  (Her Excellency Dr. Gwendoline Malaheha, newly-appointed High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Lesotho, presents her staff to Governor General Roméo LeBlanc; Rideau Hall; 16 May, 1995 The Governor General also receives Letters of Credence of newly-appointed Ambassadors to Canada and Letters of Commission of High Commissioners to Canada (both types of Letters are formal accreditation papers).
  
  
• Photo-- Order of Canada
  (Governor General Roméo LeBlanc presents the insignia of Member of the Order of Canada to Edith Josie of Old Crow, Yukon; Rideau Hall; 16 November, 1995)
  
  
• Photo-- Decorations for Bravery
  (Governor General Roméo LeBlanc presents the Medal of Bravery to Caroline Deschênes of Baie-Comeau, Quebec; Rideau Hall; 23 June, 1995) Another important theme is the Recognition of Excellence through honours. In the national context, "honours" are defined as orders, decorations and medals granted or awarded by the Governor General on behalf of The Queen. Honours are considered the highest distinctions Canada can bestow. In addition, they are seen as a strong force for national identity, unity and pride. Appointments to Orders and awards of decorations and medals are always on the advice of special Councils or Committees. The Canadian Honours System currently comprises orders, decorations and medals which recognize achievement, bravery or exemplary service over a broad range of activity. Appointment to the Order of Canada is the highest honour for service or achievement that Canada bestows on its citizens. The Governor General is Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order of Canada. As Chancellor of the Order of Military Merit, the Governor General recognizes exceptional merit and service by members of the Canadian Forces, both Regular and Reserve. The Governor General also awards the Decorations for Bravery to citizens who have risked their lives to save or protect others.
  
  
• Photo-- Heraldry
  (His Royal Highness the Prince Edward presents Letters Patent to Governor General Jeanne Sauvé at Rideau Hall; 4 June, 1988) The Canadian Heraldic Authority promotes national identity. "Armorial bearings" or coats of arms are expressions of authority, ownership and identity -- they express our history, geography and character through rich and powerful symbols. In keeping with the ancient practice that heraldry (the study, use and regulation of coats of arms) flows from The Queen, the Governor General heads the Canadian Heraldic Authority. Since its creation in 1988, the Authority has granted arms to corporations, governments, academic, cultural and religious institutions as well as individuals.
  
  
• Photo-- Aboriginal Smudge Ceremony
  (Governor General Roméo LeBlanc and Mrs. Diana Fowler LeBlanc participate in an aboriginal smudge ceremony at Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Saskatchewan; 5 September, 1995)
  
  
• Photo - Menorah Lighting Ceremony
  (Governor General Roméo LeBlanc participates in a Menorah lighting ceremony for Hanukkah; Rideau Hall; 18 December, 1995) The many social and traditional duties of the Governor General help heighten the nation's awareness of national identity and of Canada's cultural richness and diversity. The Governor General attends aboriginal and ethnic events and participates in a wide range of cultural programs.
  
  
• Photo-- New Year's Levee
  (Governor General Roméo LeBlanc and Mrs. Diana Fowler LeBlanc open the annual New Year's Levee and Winter Party at Rideau Hall; 7 January, 1996)
  
  
• Photo-- Garden Party (Governor General Roméo LeBlanc and Mrs. Diana Fowler LeBlanc meet the public at the Governor General's annual Garden Party; Rideau Hall; 2 July, 1995)
  
  
• Photo-- National Native Role Model Program
  (Pauline Frost of the Vuntut Gwitachin Nation in Teslin, Yukon, is one of nine 1996 National Native Role Models. The ceremony took place at Rideau Hall on 23 February, 1996)
  
  
• Photo -- Canada Day
  (Governor General Roméo LeBlanc on Parliament Hill for Canada Day celebrations; 1 July, 1995)
  
  
• Photo-- Remembrance Day
  (Governor General Roméo LeBlanc lays a wreath on behalf of the people of Canada; National War Memorial, Ottawa; 11 November, 1995) Other activities include receiving Canadians from every walk of life. The Governor General meets the general public at the annual New Year's Levee and the summer Garden Party and officiates at numerous events, including presentations of awards and prizes, openings of buildings, and the unveiling of works of art and plaques. In addition, the Governor General participates in regional and national celebrations such as Canada Day and Remembrance Day.
  
  
• Photo-- Visiting a School
  (Governor General Roméo LeBlanc visiting students at École Vanier, Moncton, New Brunswick; 12 October, 1995)
  
  
• Photo -- Visiting a Hospital
  (Governor General Roméo LeBlanc and Mrs. Diana Fowler LeBlanc visit a young patient at Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; 5 September, 1995) Travel is an essential activity, and an effective means by which to promote national unity. The Governor General visits the provinces and the territories on a regular basis, meeting with the Lieutenant Governors (The Queen's provincial representatives), participating in events ranging from international conferences to civic receptions, giving speeches and interviews, dedicating public buildings such as schools and hospitals and participating in events held by the organizations of which the Governor General is Honorary Patron.
  
  
• Photo-- Chief Scout of Canada
  (Governor General presents a Scouting award to Brock Henderson; Rideau Hall; 17 November, 1995)
  
  
• Photo --Children's Christmas Party
  (Governor General Roméo LeBlanc and Mrs. Diana Fowler LeBlanc get help carving the turkey at the annual Christmas Party for members of the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa-Carleton and Le Patro d'Ottawa; Rideau Hall; 2 December, 1995) The Governor General demonstrates moral leadership through association with numerous national service organizations, youth groups and humanitarian endeavours. For example, the Governor General is Chief Scout of Canada, Honorary President of the Canadian Red Cross Society and Patron of many organizations and events. On taking office (at a ceremony usually held in the Senate Chamber), the Governor General is accorded the title "Right Honourable" for life, and "His Excellency" or "Her Excellency" for the period in office. The Governor General's spouse is also given the title "Excellency". The period in office has no fixed term and the Governor General remains in office until a successor is appointed and installed, usually about five years.
  
  
• Photo -- Rideau Hall
  
  
• Photo-- La Citadelle
  The Governor General has two official residences -- Rideau Hall in Ottawa and La Citadelle in Québec City.
  
  
• Photo-- Standard of the Governor General
  The Governor General's personal standard flies whenever the incumbent is in residence, and takes precedence over all other flags in Canada, except The Queen's Canadian flag. The standard is dark blue with, at its centre, a crowned lion carrying a red, stylized maple leaf in its right paw. The symbol of the lion also appears on the crest of Canada's coat of arms. The tradition of choosing Canadians as Governor General began in 1952 with the appointment of Vincent Massey followed by the appointment of Georges Vanier in 1959. At the same time, a custom of alternating persons from English and French-speaking backgrounds developed. The Right Honourable Jeanne Sauvé (Governor General 1984-1990) was the first woman named to the post. The Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc is the twenty-fifth Governor General since Confederation.

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