What is the role of Canada's Governor General?

Answer 1

The key role of the Governor General, as the representative of Her Majesty the Queen of Canada, is to ensure that Canada always has a prime minister. The Governor General invites the person best able to command the support of a majority of members of the House of Commons to become the prime minister. When a prime minister resigns, or dies, or is dismissed, the Governor General must immediately appoint a replacement pursuant to this convention. The Governor General may exercise a degree of personal discretion, however, when no party holds a majority of House of Commons seats.

Answer 2

In the past, a governor general acted as the official representative of the British monarchy in Canadian government. The governor general greatly influenced the creation of different policies and laws; he/she was make sure that the Canadian government conformed to the same political regime as the British. However, although we are still a colony of the United Kingdom, this role has become more of a figurehead. The present-day governor generals seem to hold more of a social position within the government, that is to say their focus has shifted from political issues to British-Canadian relations, as well as some charity work.

Answer 3

Governor-General of Canada is the senior representative of the British Throne in Canada. He or she is appointed by the king or queen on the advice of the prime minister of Canada, and usually remains in office for about five years. The govenor-general opens sessions of Parliament with a Speech from the Throne, gives royal assent to bills passed before they can become law, and dissolves Parliament to call for a general election. The governor-general also presides over the swearing in of the prime minister and other high government officials, appoints senators based on the prime minister's recommendation, and approves the appointment of all senior military officers. The governor-general also makes state visits abroad, welcomes visiting heads of state and foreign dignitaries, and accepts the credentials of newly appointed ambassadors to Canada, promotes Canadian identity and unity, presides over national celebrations and community events, and grants awards to deserving Canadian citizens.

Answer 4

The Governor General of Canada is the representative of Her Majesty the Queen.

The primary function of the Governor General is to ensure that Canada always has a prime minister and Government supported by most members of the elected House of Commons (i.e., the Governor General ensures that the concept of "responsible government" is executed).

Answer 5

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the Queen of Canada. The Governor General is Her Majesty's representative in Canada, and acts as Canada's Head of State when Her Majesty is not in Canada. The Governor Geberal's functions are largely ceremonial and formal (such as greeting foreign dignitaries, reading the 'Speech from the Throne' and proclaiming legislation).

The Governor General does have a limited political role to play, and did so in December, 2008, when the Prime Minister (who was facing defeat in a non-confidence motion) asked the Governor to prorogue parliament. The Governor General could have refused to do so, and many political pundits think the Governor General should have refused to prorogue parliament. But the Governor General did prorogue parliament and let the Prime Minster 'escape with his political life.'

A Governor General is a representative of the Monarch of England. The G.G is appointed by the Queen on advice of the Prime Minister . Right now, it is David Johnston.

The Governor General gives 'assent' to bills to make them laws. Bills cannot become laws if the G.G does not give the 'assent'. She also carries out most of the constitutional and ceremonial duties of and for the Queen.

Answer 6

The Governor General is HM the Queen's official representative in any major British Commonwealth Country.