December 29, 2004

NEWS RELEASE

Prime Minister Paul Martin announced today that The Queen has approved changes to the form of Letters of Credence and Letters of Recall, in order to ensure that Canada’s diplomatic practices reflect the role and function of the Governor General.

In international diplomatic practice, Letters of Credence are formal diplomatic instruments that are presented by High Commissioners and Ambassadors to the Head of State of the host country. Letters of Recall formally signify their recall from the host country.

Since 1977, Canadian Letters of Credence and Recall have been approved by the Governor General. As of January 1, 2005, Canadian Letters will be revised to reflect this longstanding practice, without direct reference to Her Majesty.

In addition, Letters of Credence and Recall presented by foreign High Commissioners and Ambassadors to Canada will now be addressed to the Governor General directly.

These changes to diplomatic practice are intended to more accurately reflect the Governor General’s discharge of all of the functions of the Head of State in respect of Canada’s international relations, and to reflect Canada’s status as a fully independent nation. The changes are in accordance with the constitutional position of The Queen and the Governor General, and do not in any sense alter the constitutional position of The Queen of Canada or the Constitution of Canada.

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