| 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. |
