The Minto Cup is awarded annually to the champion junior men's box lacrosse team of Canada . The 2023 competition is in Edmonton, Alberta, from August 20–27.
173-486: It was donated in 1901 by the Governor-General , Lord Minto . Originally restricted to amateurs, within three years the first under-the-table professional teams were already competing for it. After 1904, with efforts to keep the professionals out of competition proving to be futile, it was made open to all challengers. The last successful amateur challenge came in 1908 when New Westminster Salmonbellies won it;
346-595: A non-confidence motion in the House of Commons, advised Governor General the Viscount Byng of Vimy to dissolve the new parliament, but Byng refused. Peter Hogg , a constitutional scholar, has opined that "a system of responsible government cannot work without a formal head of state who is possessed of certain reserve powers." Further, Eugene Forsey stated "the reserve power is indeed, under our Constitution, an absolutely essential safeguard of democracy. It takes
519-460: A British law was necessary, though Canada's consent was required. The Parliament of Canada was granted limited power to amend the constitution by a British Act of Parliament in 1949, but it was not permitted to affect the powers of provincial governments, the official positions of the English and French languages, rights of any class of persons with respect to schools, or the maximum five-year term of
692-513: A Canadian Republic has advocated the election of the nominee to the sovereign, either by popular or parliamentary vote; a proposal echoed by Clarkson, who called for the prime minister's choice to not only be vetted by a parliamentary committee, but, also submit to a televised quiz on Canadiana . Constitutional scholars, editorial boards, and the Monarchist League of Canada have argued against any such constitutional tinkering with
865-606: A committee of the Privy Council known as the Cabinet and it is, in practice, only from this group of ministers of the Crown that the king and governor general will take advice on the use of executive power; an arrangement called the king-in-Council or, more specifically, the governor-in-Council . In this capacity, the governor general will issue royal proclamations and sign orders in council . The governor-in-Council
1038-474: A confidence vote but was allowed to remain in power with the mutual consent of the leaders of the other parties. In practice, the House of Commons' scrutiny of the government is quite weak in comparison to the equivalent chamber in other countries using the Westminster system . With the plurality voting system used in parliamentary elections tending to provide the governing party with a large majority, and
1211-597: A federal election, the governor general will curtail these public duties, so as not to appear as though they are involving themselves in political affairs. Although the constitution of Canada states that the "Command-in-Chief of the Land and Naval Militia, and of all Naval and Military Forces, of and in Canada, is hereby declared to continue and be vested in the Queen," the governor general acts in his place as Commander-in-Chief of
1384-418: A flag or general officer, with a special flag or general officer sleeve braid embellished with the governor general's badge, and a large embroidered governor general's badge on the shoulder straps or boards , facing forward. French colonization of North America began in the 1580s and Aymar de Chaste was appointed in 1602 by King Henry IV as Viceroy of Canada. The explorer Samuel de Champlain became
1557-454: A general election typically follows. Subject to the governor general's discretion, general elections are held four years after the previous on the third Monday in October or, on the recommendation of the chief electoral officer , the following Tuesday or Monday. The governor general may dissolve Parliament and call a general election outside of these fixed dates, conventionally on the advice of
1730-473: A governor general recommended by then-Prime Minister Bennett, which was a constitutionally unjustifiable position for Mackenzie King to take. King George V became concerned and instructed Bessborough to either remain in office until after the election or bring Bennett and Mackenzie King together to agree on a nominee for his replacement. The Governor General consulted with the Prime Minister and Leader of
1903-501: A governor general's husband. The viceregal household aids the governor general in the execution of the royal constitutional and ceremonial duties and is managed by the secretary to the governor general . The Chancellery of Honours depends from the King and is thus also located at Rideau Hall and administered by the governor general. As such, the viceroy's secretary ex officio holds the position of Herald Chancellor of Canada , overseeing
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#17327794695052076-457: A higher population. The governor still held significant personal influence over Canadian affairs until 1848, when responsible government was implemented in Canada. The actual site of Parliament shifted on a regular basis: From 1841 to 1844, it sat in Kingston , where the present Kingston General Hospital now stands; from 1844 until the 1849 fire that destroyed the building , the legislature
2249-495: A lifetime". The idea of a Canadian being appointed governor general was raised as early as 1919, when, at the Paris Peace Conference , Canadian prime minister Sir Robert Borden , consulted with South African prime minister Louis Botha , and the two agreed that the viceregal appointees should be long-term residents of their respective dominions . Calls for just such an individual to be made viceroy came again in
2422-404: A member of either house cannot be sued for slander based on words uttered in the course of parliamentary proceedings, the only restraint on debate being set by the standing orders of each house. Further, MPs and senators are immune to arrest in civil (but not criminal) cases, from jury service and attendance in courts as witnesses. They may, however, be disciplined by their colleagues for breach of
2595-471: A modified membership and its scope broadened to include the appointment of provincial lieutenant governors and territorial commissioners (though, the latter are not personal representatives of the monarch). However, the next ministry, headed by Justin Trudeau , disbanded the committee in 2017, before he recommended Payette as Johnston's successor that year. Following Payette's resignation, Trudeau formed
2768-528: A number held seats in the British House of Lords by virtue of their inclusion in the peerage. Appointments of former ministers of the Crown in the 1980s and 1990s were criticized by Peter H. Russell , who stated in 2009: "much of [the] advantage of the monarchical system is lost in Canada when prime ministers recommend partisan colleagues to be appointed governor general and represent [the King]." Clarkson
2941-422: A party system that gives leaders strict control over their caucus (to the point that MPs may be expelled from their parties for voting against the instructions of party leaders), there is often limited need to compromise with other parties. Additionally, Canada has fewer MPs, a higher turnover rate of MPs after each election, and an Americanized system for selecting political party leaders, leaving them accountable to
3114-420: A plurality of voters in each of the country's federal electoral districts , or ridings. To run for one of the 338 seats in the lower house , an individual must be at least 18 years old. Each member holds office until Parliament is dissolved, after which they may seek re-election. The ridings are regularly reorganized according to the results of each decennial national census ; however, the "senatorial clause" of
3287-480: A position in the community which are consonant with the dignity and responsibility of that office." Massey stated of this, "a Canadian [as governor general] makes it far easier to look on the Crown as our own and on the Sovereign as Queen of Canada." This practice continued until 1999, when Queen Elizabeth II commissioned as her representative Adrienne Clarkson , a Hong Kong -born refugee to Canada. Moreover,
3460-497: A retired inn-keeper and his wife undergo the rigorous protocol of the royal household and sprawl on the floor before the Duke of Argyll so as to be granted the knighthood for which they had "paid in cold, hard cash". Later, prior to the arrival of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn (the uncle of King George V ), to take up the post of governor general, there was a "feeble undercurrent of criticism" centring on worries about
3633-761: A rigid court at Rideau Hall; worries that turned out to be unfounded as the royal couple was actually more relaxed than their predecessors. During the First World War , into which Canada was drawn due to its association with the United Kingdom, the governor general's role turned from one of cultural patron and state ceremony to one of military inspector and morale booster. Starting in 1914, Governor General Prince Arthur donned his Field Marshal 's uniform and put his efforts into raising contingents, inspecting army camps, and seeing troops off before their voyage to Europe. These actions, however, led to conflict with
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#17327794695053806-496: A series of stages in each chamber, beginning with the first reading . It is not, however, until the bill's second reading that the general principles of the proposed law are debated; though rejection is a possibility, such is not common for government bills. Next, the bill is sent by the house where it is being debated to one of several committees. The Standing Orders outline the general mandate for all committees, allowing them to review: bills as they pertain to relevant departments;
3979-628: A smooth transition between governors general. The sovereign will also hold an audience with the appointee and will at that time induct both the governor general-designate and their spouse into the Order of Canada as Companions, as well as appointing the former as a Commander of both the Order of Military Merit and the Order of Merit of the Police Forces (should either person not have already received either of those honours). The incumbent will generally serve for at least five years; though, this
4152-429: A tie. The speaker customarily votes in favour of the status quo . The constitution establishes the quorums to be 15 senators in the upper house and 20 members in the lower house, the speaker of each body being counted within the tally. Voting can thus take three possible forms: whenever possible, leaving the matter open for future consideration and allowing for further discussion by the house; when no further discussion
4325-565: A time lost and forgotten when the last trustee died. The trophy was located just prior to the 1938 junior competition, underneath a desk in his office. During the trophy's period of inactivity, there were suggestions to make the Minto Cup an international championship trophy. In 1934 the last trustee appointed to supervise the Cup died, and the Lord Minto of the day eventually transferred it to
4498-420: A way that opposes the will of the democratically elected house. The federal government consists of the monarch (represented by the governor general)-in-council , which is a collection of ministers of the Crown appointed by the governor general to direct the use of executive powers . Per the tenets of responsible government , these individuals are almost always drawn from Parliament, and are predominantly from
4671-525: Is Mary Simon , who was sworn in on 26 July 2021. An Inuk leader from Nunavik in Quebec , Simon is the first aboriginal person to hold the office. As the sovereign's representative, the governor general carries out the day-to-day constitutional and ceremonial duties of the monarch. The constitutional duties include appointing lieutenant governors , Supreme Court justices, and senators ; signing orders-in-council ; summoning, proroguing , and dissolving
4844-708: Is also specifically tasked by the Constitution Act, 1867 , to appoint in the monarch's name, the lieutenant governors of the provinces , senators , the speaker of the Senate , superior , district, and county court judges in each province, except those of the Courts of Probate in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick , and high commissioners and ambassadors. The advice given by the Cabinet is, in order to ensure
5017-484: Is also tasked with fostering national unity and pride. Queen Elizabeth II stated in 1959, to then-Governor General Vincent Massey, "maintain[ing] the right relationship between the Crown and the people of Canada [is] the most important function among the many duties of the appointment which you have held with such distinction." One way in which this is carried out is travelling the country and meeting with Canadians from all regions and ethnic groups in Canada , continuing
5190-610: Is assigned to 412 Transport Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The squadron uses Bombardier Challenger 600 VIP jets to transport the governor general to locations within and outside of Canada. As the personal representative of the monarch, the governor general follows only the sovereign in the Canadian order of precedence , preceding even other members of the Royal Family. Though the federal viceroy
5363-460: Is considered primus inter pares amongst provincial counterparts, the governor general also outranks the lieutenant governors in the federal sphere; at provincial functions, however, the relevant lieutenant governor, as the King's representative in the province, precedes the governor general. The incumbent governor general and their spouse are also the only people in Canada, other than serving Canadian ambassadors and high commissioners , entitled to
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5536-482: Is defined by the Constitution Act, 1867 , and various conventions . Neither he nor his viceroy, however, participates in the legislative process save for signifying the King's approval to a bill passed by both houses of Parliament, known as the granting of Royal Assent , which is necessary for a bill to be enacted as law. All federal bills thus begin with the phrase "Now, therefore, His Majesty, by and with
5709-464: Is demanded by members—requiring at least two in the Senate and five in the House of Commons. Members of both houses vote by rising in their places to be counted; the speaker of the Senate is permitted to vote on a motion or bill—though does so irregularly, in the interest of impartiality—and, if there is no majority, the motion is defeated. In the Commons, however, the speaker cannot vote, unless to break
5882-496: Is only a developed convention and has been criticized as too short for an office meant to represent a Crown and sovereign meant to embody continuity. The governor general serves " at His Majesty's pleasure " (or the royal pleasure ), meaning the prime minister may recommend to the King that the viceroy remain in his service for a longer period of time; some governors general have been in office for more than seven years. No additional formalities are necessary for such an "extension";
6055-600: Is passed to the registrar general for protection), as well as the chains of both the chancellor of the Order of Canada and of the Order of Military Merit . The governor general then gives a speech, outlining causes they will champion during their time as viceroy. If, and because your Governor-General is in the service of the Crown, he is, therefore ... in the service of Canada ... [A]loof though he be from actual executive responsibility, his attitude must be that of ceaseless and watchful readiness to take part ... in
6228-462: Is permitted to exercise most of this power, including the royal prerogative , in the sovereign's name; some as outlined in the Constitution Act, 1867 , and some through various letters patent issued over the decades, particularly those from 1947 that constitute the Office of Governor General of Canada. The 1947 letters patent state, "and We do hereby authorize and empower Our Governor General, with
6401-410: Is possible, taking into account that the matter could somehow be brought back in future and be decided by a majority in the house; or, leaving a bill in its existing form rather than having it amended. For example, during the vote on the 2005 budget , which was considered a vote of confidence , the speaker of the House of Commons cast the tie-breaking vote during the second reading , moving in favour of
6574-623: Is the federal legislature of Canada , seated at Parliament Hill in Ottawa , and is composed of three parts: the King , the Senate , and the House of Commons . By constitutional convention , the House of Commons is dominant, with the Senate rarely opposing its will. The Senate reviews legislation from a less partisan standpoint and may initiate certain bills. The monarch or his representative, normally
6747-465: Is the 44th Parliament since Confederation in 1867. The official languages of the Parliament are English and French . The body consists of the King of Canada , represented by a viceroy , the governor general ; an upper house , the Senate ; and a lower house , the House of Commons . Each element has its own officers and organization. Each has a distinct role, but work in conjunction within
6920-644: Is the official residence of the Canadian monarch and of the governor general and is thus the location of the viceregal household and the Chancellery of Honours. For a part of each year since 1872, governors general have also resided at the Citadel ( La Citadelle ) in Quebec City, Quebec . A governor general's wife is known as the chatelaine of Rideau Hall, though there is no equivalent term for
7093-411: Is to perform federal constitutional duties on behalf of the monarch. As such, the governor general carries on "the government of Canada on behalf and in the name of the sovereign". The governor general acts within the principles of parliamentary democracy and responsible government as a guarantor of continuous and stable governance and as a nonpartisan safeguard against the abuse of power. For
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7266-593: The Reform Act and resulting changes to the Parliament of Canada Act , in 2015, were a response to this trend and an attempt to increase the power and independence of MPs. Parliament possesses a number of privileges, collectively and accordingly known as parliamentary privilege , each house being the guardian and administrator of its own set of rights. Parliament itself determines the extent of parliamentary privilege, each house overseeing its own affairs, but
7439-638: The Canadian Heraldic Authority —the mechanism of the Canadian honours system by which armorial bearings are granted to Canadians by the governor general in the name of the sovereign. These organized offices and support systems include aides-de-camp , press officers , financial managers, speech writers, trip organizers, event planners, protocol officers, chefs and other kitchen employees, waiters, and various cleaning staff, as well as visitors' centre staff and tour guides at both official residences. In this official and bureaucratic capacity,
7612-667: The Canadian Lacrosse Association , which decided to award it as the trophy for the national junior men's champion, starting in 1937. Originally, the competition was between all-star provincial teams formed by adding players to the provincial champion. In 1960 this practice was abandoned and the trophy has since been competed for by the Junior A provincial champions of British Columbia of the British Columbia Junior A Lacrosse League , Ontario of
7785-594: The Canadian Privy Council . However, the governor still remained not a viceroy, in the true sense of the word, being still a representative of and liaison to the British government —the Queen in her British council of ministers—who answered to the secretary of state for the colonies in London and who, as a British observer of Canadian politics, held well into the First World War a suite of offices in
7958-430: The Constitution Act, 1867 guarantees each province at least as many MPs as it has senators, and the "grandfather clause" permits each province as many MPs as it had in either 1976 or 1985. The existence of this legislation has pushed the size of the House of Commons above the required minimum of 282 seats. The powers of the Parliament of Canada are limited by the constitution, which divides legislative abilities between
8131-647: The Duke of Devonshire , or by prior elevation by the sovereign in their own right, as was the case with Earl Alexander of Tunis . None were life peers , the Life Peerages Act 1958 postdating the beginning of the tradition of appointing Canadian citizens as governor general. John Buchan was, in preparation for his appointment as governor general, made the Baron Tweedsmuir of Elsfield in the County of Oxford by King George V , six months before Buchan
8304-463: The East Block of Parliament Hill . But, the new position of Canadian high commissioner to the United Kingdom , created in 1880, began to take over the governor general's role as a link between the Canadian and British governments, leaving the viceroy increasingly as a personal representative of the monarch. As such, the governor general had to retain a sense of political neutrality; a skill that
8477-733: The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem . As acting commander-in-chief, the governor general is further routinely granted the Canadian Forces' Decoration by the chief of the Defence Staff on behalf of the monarch. All of these honours are retained following an incumbent's departure from office, with the individual remaining in the highest categories of the orders, and they may also be further distinguished with induction into other orders or
8650-566: The Ontario Junior A Lacrosse League and recently Alberta, of the RMLL the only provinces where organized lacrosse thrives. Governor-General of Canada The governor general of Canada ( French : gouverneure générale du Canada ) is the federal representative of the Canadian monarch , currently King Charles III . The king or queen of Canada is also monarch and head of state of 14 other Commonwealth realms and lives in
8823-657: The Rebellion Losses Bill , despite his personal misgivings towards the legislation. This arrangement continued after the reunification in 1840 of Upper and Lower Canada into the Province of Canada , and the establishment of the Dominion of Canada in 1867. The governor general carried out in Canada all the parliamentary and ceremonial functions of a constitutional monarch—amongst other things, granting Royal Assent, issuing Orders-in-Council, and taking advice from
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#17327794695058996-607: The Royal Canadian Navy ) awaits to give a general salute . From there, the party is led by the King's parliamentary messenger—the usher of the Black Rod —to the Senate chamber , wherein all justices of the Supreme Court , senators, members of Parliament , and other guests are assembled. The King's commission for the governor general-designate is then read aloud by the secretary to the governor general and
9169-533: The United Kingdom . The monarch, on the advice of his or her Canadian prime minister , appoints a governor general to administer the government of Canada in the monarch's name. The commission is for an indefinite period—known as serving at His Majesty's pleasure —though, five years is the usual length of term. Since 1959, it has also been traditional to alternate between francophone and anglophone officeholders. The 30th and current governor general
9342-641: The United States of America and the transfer of East Florida and West Florida to Spain, the remaining British colonies of North America, including Bermuda , were partly integrated as British North America . During the War of 1812 , Lieutenant-General Sir George Prevost was appointed as "Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief in and Over the Provinces of Upper-Canada, Lower-Canada, Nova-Scotia, and New-Brunswick, and Their Several Dependencies, Vice-Admiral of
9515-551: The War of 1812 , American troops set fire to the buildings of the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada in York (now Toronto ). In 1841, the British government united the two Canadas into the Province of Canada , with a single legislature composed of, again, an assembly, council, and governor general; the 84 members of the lower chamber were equally divided among the two former provinces, though Lower Canada had
9688-483: The federal parliament ; granting royal assent to bills; calling elections; and signing commissions for officers of the Canadian Armed Forces . The ceremonial duties include delivering the speech from the throne at the state opening of parliament ; accepting letters of credence from incoming ambassadors; and distributing honours, decorations, and medals . Per the tenets of responsible government ,
9861-414: The governor general , provides royal assent to make bills into law. The governor general, on behalf of the monarch, summons and appoints the 105 senators on the advice of the prime minister , while each of the 338 members of the House of Commons – called members of Parliament (MPs) – represents an electoral district , commonly referred to as a riding , and are elected by Canadian voters residing in
10034-451: The governor general's flag is employed. The present form was adopted on 23 February 1981 and, in the federal jurisdiction, takes precedence over all other flags except for the King's personal Canadian standard . When the governor general undertakes a state visit, however, the national flag is generally employed to mark governor general's presence. This flag is also, along with all flags on Canadian Forces property, flown at half-mast upon
10207-458: The governor general-designate . Besides the administration of the oaths of office, there is no set formula for the swearing-in of a governor general-designate. Though there may therefore be variations to the following, the appointee will usually travel to Ottawa , there receiving an official welcome and taking up residence at 7 Rideau Gate , and will begin preparations for their upcoming role, meeting with various high-level officials to ensure
10380-492: The legislative process . This format was inherited from the United Kingdom and is a near-identical copy of the Parliament at Westminster , the greatest differences stemming from situations unique to Canada, such as the impermanent nature of the monarch's residency in the country and the lack of a peerage to form the upper chamber. Only those who sit in the House of Commons are usually called members of Parliament (MPs);
10553-543: The letters patent issued in 1947 by King George VI . As such, on the recommendation of the Canadian prime minister , the Canadian monarch appoints the governor general by commission, prepared in Canada, and issued under the Great Seal of Canada and with the royal sign-manual . (Until the appointment of Vincent Massey in 1952, the royal commission was authorized by the monarch's signature and signet . ) That individual is, from then until being sworn in, referred to as
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#173277946950510726-407: The notwithstanding clause . Such clause, however, has never been used by the federal parliament, though it has been employed by some provincial legislatures. Laws violating any part of the constitution are invalid and may be ruled unconstitutional by the courts . Each of Parliament's two chambers is presided over by a speaker ; that for the Senate is a member appointed by the governor general on
10899-477: The royal prerogative . Any constitutional amendment that affects the Crown , including the office of governor general, requires the unanimous consent of each provincial legislative assembly as well as the Senate and House of Commons of Canada . The position of governor general is mandated by both the Constitution Act, 1867 (formerly known as the British North America Act, 1867 ), and
11072-507: The speaker of that house. They are sometimes referred to as Agents of Parliament . Another key official is the parliamentary librarian , a position established in 1871 under the Library of Parliament Act , charged with directing the Library of Parliament . The Constitution Act, 1867 , outlines that the governor general alone is responsible for summoning Parliament, though it remains the monarch's prerogative to prorogue and dissolve
11245-539: The "newest" province, although "oldest" English settlement ), is represented by six senators. Since 1975 each of Canada's territories is represented by 1 senator—the Northwest Territories , Yukon , and (since its formation in 1999) Nunavut . An additional 4 or 8 senators may be appointed by the governor general, provided the approval of the King is secured and the four divisions are equally represented. This power has been employed once since 1867: to ensure
11418-456: The 1919 Nickle Resolution . Under the orders' constitutions, the governor general serves as Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order of Canada , Chancellor of the Order of Military Merit , and Chancellor of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces . The governor general also upon installation automatically becomes a Knight or Dame of Justice and the Prior and Chief Officer in Canada of
11591-690: The Advisory Group on the Selection of the Next Governor General, which selected Mary Simon for appointment as vicereine. The swearing-in ceremony begins with the arrival at 7 Rideau Gate of one of the ministers of the Crown , who then accompanies the governor general-designate to Parliament Hill , where a Canadian Forces guard of honour (consisting of the Army Guard, Royal Canadian Air Force Guard, and Flag Party of
11764-517: The British government to grant responsible government to the Canadian provinces. As a result, the viceroys became largely nominal heads, while the democratically elected legislatures and the premiers they supported exercised the authority belonging to the Crown; a concept first put to the test when, in 1849, Governor-General of the Province of Canada and Lieutenant-Governor of Canada East James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin granted Royal Assent to
11937-423: The Cabinet had become eclipsed by prime ministerial power. Thus, defeats of majority governments on issues of confidence are very rare. In contrast, a minority government is more volatile, and is more likely to fall due to loss of confidence. The last prime ministers to lose confidence votes were Stephen Harper in 2011, Paul Martin in 2005 and Joe Clark in 1979, all involving minority governments. The passage of
12110-535: The Canadian Forces and is permitted through the 1947 Letters Patent to use the title Commander-in-Chief in and over Canada . The position technically involves issuing commands for Canadian troops, airmen, and sailors, but is predominantly a ceremonial role in which the viceroy will visit Canadian Forces bases across Canada and abroad to take part in military ceremonies, see troops off to and return from active duty, and encourage excellence and morale amongst
12283-580: The Commons' right to deny entry to anyone, including even the monarch (but with an exception for royal messengers). Once the MPs are gathered behind the Bar of the Senate—save for the prime minister, the only MP permitted into the Senate proper to sit near the throne dais—the House of Commons speaker presents to the monarch or governor general, and formally claims the rights and privileges of the House of Commons; and then
12456-586: The Constitution): 24 for Ontario , 24 for Quebec , 24 for the Maritimes (10 for Nova Scotia , 10 for New Brunswick , and four for Prince Edward Island ), and 24 for the Western provinces (six each for Manitoba , British Columbia , Saskatchewan , and Alberta ). Additionally, senators are appointed from two geographic areas not part of any senatorial division. Newfoundland and Labrador (since 1949
12629-562: The Crown, the oldest continuous institution in Canada. The present version of the office emerged with Canadian Confederation and the passing of the British North America Act, 1867 . Although the post initially still represented the government of the United Kingdom (that is, the monarch in his British council ), the office was gradually Canadianized until, with the passage of the Statute of Westminster, 1931 , and
12802-559: The Crown. At the Imperial Conference in 1930 , it was decided that the Commonwealth ministers would "tender their formal advice after informal consultation with His Majesty," thereby settling the current procedure wherein the monarch appoints the governor general on the advice of the Canadian prime minister only. This was codified in the Statute of Westminster, 1931 . How many names the prime minister puts forward to
12975-691: The Dominion's first cabinet crisis, wherein Macdonald died, leaving Lord Stanley of Preston to select a new prime minister. As early as 1880, the viceregal family and court attracted minor ridicule from the Queen's subjects: in July of that year, someone under the pseudonym Captain Mac included in a pamphlet called Canada: from the Lakes to the Gulf , a coarse satire of an investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall, in which
13148-415: The House of Commons establishing legislative committees, the chair of the latter being appointed by the speaker of the House of Commons, and is normally one of his deputies. Whichever committee is used, any amendments proposed by the committee are considered by the whole house in the report stage. Furthermore, additional amendments not proposed by the committee may also be made. After the report stage (or, if
13321-497: The House of Commons to do so before adjourning. The new parliamentary session is marked by the opening of Parliament , a ceremony where a range of topics can be addressed in a Speech From the Throne given by the monarch, the governor general, or a royal delegate. The usher of the black rod invites MPs to these events, knocking on the doors of the lower house that have been slammed shut —a symbolic arrangement designed to illustrate
13494-463: The House of Commons, of which most are put forward by ministers of the Crown , making them government bills, as opposed to private members' bills or private senators' bills, which are launched by MPs and senators, respectively, who are not in cabinet. Draft legislation may also be categorized as public bills, if they apply to the general public, or private bills , if they concern a particular person or limited group of people. Each bill then goes through
13667-408: The House of Commons, the only body to which ministers are held accountable, typically during Question Period , wherein ministers are obliged to answer questions posed by members of the opposition. Hence, the person who can command the confidence of the lower chamber—usually the leader of the party with the most seats therein—is typically appointed as prime minister. Should that person not hold a seat in
13840-440: The House of Commons, the prime minister will, by convention, seek election to one at the earliest possible opportunity; frequently, in such situations, a junior member of Parliament who holds a safe seat will resign to allow the prime minister to run for that riding in a by-election . If no party holds a majority, it is customary for the governor general to summon a minority government or coalition government , depending on which
14013-470: The King and country abroad on state visits to other nations , though the monarch's permission is necessary, via the prime minister, for the viceroy to leave Canada. Also as part of international relations, the governor general issues letters of credence and of recall for Canadian ambassadors and high commissioners and receives the same from foreign ambassadors and other Commonwealth countries' high commissioners appointed to Canada. The governor general
14186-409: The King's name; legally, the governor general has three options: grant royal assent (making the bill a law), withhold royal assent (vetoing the bill), or reserve the bill for the signification of the king's pleasure (allowing the sovereign to personally grant or withhold assent). If the governor general withholds the King's assent, the sovereign may within two years disallow the bill, thereby annulling
14359-410: The King, which was accepted. Louis St. Laurent , however, gave only one name—Massey's—to George VI. There is typically informal consultation between the prime minister and sovereign, either directly or via the incumbent governor general, on the appointment of the next viceroy before the prime minister gives his official advice to the monarch. The only time the leader of the opposition was consulted on
14532-490: The Opposition and settled on Tweedsmuir. Until 1952, all governors general were members of the British aristocracy or former British military officers, diplomats, or politicians raised to the peerage . These viceroys had spent no or little time in Canada prior to their appointment; though it was claimed as their travel schedules were so extensive that they could "learn more about Canada in five years than many Canadians in
14705-645: The Parliament of the United Kingdom to enact a constitutional amendment in 1982, in the form of the Canada Act 1982 which included the Constitution Act, 1982 . This legislation terminated the power of the British Parliament's ability to legislate for Canada and the authority to amend the constitution was transferred to the Canadian House of Commons, the Senate, and the provincial legislative assemblies, acting jointly. Most amendments require
14878-476: The Province of Quebec, to accommodate the influx of United Empire Loyalists fleeing the American revolutionary war , that the king's representative, with a change in title to Governor General , directly governed Lower Canada , while the other three colonies were each administered by a lieutenant governor in his stead. Following the 1783 recognition of the independence of the 13 continental colonies that became
15051-640: The Same, Lieutenant-General and Commander of all His Majesty's Forces in the Said Provinces of Lower Canada and Upper-Canada, Nova-Scotia, and New-Brunswick, and Their Several Dependencies, and in the Islands of Newfoundland, Prince Edward, Cape Breton, and the Bermudas, &c. &c. &c." The Rebellions of 1837 brought about great changes to the role of the governor general, prompting, as they did,
15224-737: The Senate responsible for security in that chamber, as well as for protocol, administrative, and logistical details of important events taking place on Parliament Hill, such as the Speech from the Throne , Royal Assent ceremonies, state funerals , or the investiture of a new governor general. Other officers of Parliament include the auditor general , chief electoral officer , official languages commissioner , privacy commissioner , information commissioner , conflict of interest and ethics commissioner , public sector integrity commissioner , and commissioner of lobbying . These individuals are appointed by either one or both houses, to which they report through
15397-594: The Senate was that used in the Legislative Council of the Province of Canada after 1849, while that of the House of Commons was inherited from the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada , first used in 1845. Following the burning of the Centre Block on 3 February 1916, the City of London , England, donated a replacement, which is still used today. The temporary mace, made of wood, and used until
15570-480: The Senate. Members of the two houses of Parliament must also express their loyalty to the sovereign and defer to his authority, as the Oath of Allegiance must be sworn by all new parliamentarians before they may take their seats. Further, the official opposition is formally called His Majesty's Loyal Opposition , to signify that, though they may be opposed to the incumbent Cabinet's policies, they remain dedicated to
15743-637: The Supreme Court) serves as the administrator of the government of Canada and exercises all powers of the governor general. In a speech on the subject of Confederation , made in 1866 to the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada , John A. Macdonald said of the planned governor, "we place no restriction on Her Majesty's prerogative in the selection of her representative ... The sovereign has unrestricted freedom of choice ... We leave that to Her Majesty in all confidence." However, between 1867 and 1931, governors general were appointed by
15916-453: The administrator of the government upon the death or removal, as well as the incapacitation, or absence of the governor general for more than one month. The governor general is required by the Constitution Act, 1867 , to appoint for life persons to the King's Privy Council for Canada , who are all technically tasked with tendering to the monarch and viceroy guidance on the exercise of the royal prerogative. Convention dictates, though, that
16089-417: The advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows ..." and, as such, the Crown is immune from acts of Parliament unless expressed otherwise in the act itself. The governor general will normally perform the task of granting Royal Assent, though the monarch may also do so, at the request of either the Cabinet or the viceroy, who may defer assent to the sovereign as per
16262-423: The advice of Our Privy Council for Canada or of any members thereof or individually, as the case requires, to exercise all powers and authorities lawfully belonging to Us in respect of Canada." The office itself does not, however, independently possess any powers of the royal prerogative, only exercising the Crown's powers with its permission; a fact the Constitution Act, 1867 , left unchanged. Among other duties,
16435-426: The advice of the prime minister, while the equivalent for the House of Commons is a member of Parliament, who is elected by the other members of that body. In general, the powers of the latter are greater than those of the former. Following the British model, the upper chamber is essentially self-regulating, but the lower chamber is controlled by the chair, in a majoritarian model that gives great power and authority to
16608-427: The apolitical Crown. The upper house of the Parliament of Canada, the Senate ( French : Sénat ), is a group of 105 individuals appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister; all those appointed must, per the constitution, be a minimum of 30 years old, be a subject of the monarch, and own property with a net worth of at least $ 4,000, in addition to owning land worth no less than $ 4,000 within
16781-451: The assent of the original house in order to stand part of the final bill. If one house passes amendments that the other will not agree to, and the two houses cannot resolve their disagreements, the bill fails. Once the bill is passed in identical form by both houses, it is presented for Royal Assent ; in theory, the governor general has three options: grant Royal Assent, thereby making the bill into law; withhold Royal Assent, thereby vetoing
16954-413: The atmosphere of faction; without adherents to reward or opponents to oust from office; docile to the suggestions of his Ministers and, yet, securing to the people the certainty of being able to get rid of an administration or parliament the moment either had forfeited their confidence." All executive , legislative , and judicial power in and over Canada is vested in the monarch. The governor general
17127-520: The autonomy and equal status of Commonwealth governments, governors general ceased to be advised in any way by British ministers. It was decided at the same Imperial Conference that the governor general "should be kept as fully informed as His Majesty the King in Great Britain of Cabinet business and public affairs." How frequently governors general and their prime ministers conversed has varied; some prime ministers have valued their meetings with
17300-577: The bill, and recommend amendments. The bill may also be committed to the Committee of the Whole , a body consisting of, as the name suggests, all the members of the chamber in question. Finally, the bill could be referred to an ad hoc committee established solely to review the piece of legislation in question. Each chamber has their own procedure for dealing with this, with the Senate establishing special committees that function like most other committees, and
17473-441: The bill; or reserve the bill for the signification of the King's pleasure , which allows the sovereign to personally grant or withhold assent. If the governor general does grant Royal Assent, the monarch may, within two years, disallow the bill, thus annulling the law in question. In the federal sphere, no bill has ever been denied royal approval. In conformity with the British model, only the House of Commons may originate bills for
17646-455: The budget and allowing its passage. If the vote on the third reading had again been tied, the speaker would have been expected to vote against the bill, bringing down the government. Simultaneous interpretation for both official languages, English and French , is provided at all times during sessions of both houses. Laws, known in their draft form as bills , may be introduced by any member of either house. However, most bills originate in
17819-421: The budget is always a matter of confidence. Where a government has lost the confidence of the House of Commons, the prime minister is obliged to either resign (allowing the governor general to appoint the leader of the Opposition to the office) or seek the dissolution of Parliament and the call of a general election. A precedent, however, was set in 1968, when the government of Lester B. Pearson unexpectedly lost
17992-408: The cabinet of William Pitt adopted in the 1780s the idea that they, along with Quebec and Prince Edward Island , should have as their respective governors a single individual styled as governor-in-chief . The post was created in 1786, with Guy Carleton, 1st Baron Dorchester as its first occupant. However, the governor-in-chief directly governed only Quebec. It was not until the splitting in 1791 of
18165-403: The chair. In 1991, however, the powers of the speaker of the Senate were expanded, which reorganized the balance of power to be closer to the framework of the Commons. The usher of the black rod of the Senate of Canada is the most senior protocol position in Parliament, being the personal messenger to the legislature of the sovereign and governor general. The usher is also a floor officer of
18338-445: The choice of name to put forward to the monarch for appointment as viceroy was when Lord Tweedsmuir 's predecessor, Bessborough, wished to resign as governor general coincidentally just ahead of Parliament reaching the end of its maximum five year life in July 1935, after which an election was required. Mackenzie King, at the time leader of the opposition , expected to win a majority in the upcoming election and stated he would not accept
18511-419: The committee made no amendments to the bill, immediately after the committee stage), the final phase of the bill—the third reading —occurs, at which time further amendments are not permitted in the House of Commons, but are allowed in the Senate. If it passes the third reading, the bill is sent to the other house of Parliament, where it passes through the same stages; amendments made by the second chamber require
18684-430: The commons will support. The lower house may attempt to bring down the government by either rejecting a motion of confidence —generally initiated by a minister to reinforce the Cabinet's support in the commons—or by passing a motion of no confidence—introduced by the opposition to display its distrust of the Cabinet. Important bills that form part of the government's agenda will usually be considered matters of confidence;
18857-409: The consent of the Senate, the House of Commons, and the legislative assemblies of two-thirds of the provinces representing a majority of the population; the unanimous consent of provincial legislative assemblies is required for certain amendments, including those affecting the sovereign, the governor general, the provincial lieutenant governors , the official status of the English and French languages,
19030-469: The constitution bars it from conferring any "exceeding those at the passing of such an Act held, enjoyed, and exercised by the [British House of] Commons... and by the Members thereof." The foremost dispensation held by both houses of Parliament is that of freedom of speech in debate; nothing said within the chambers may be questioned by any court or other institution outside of Parliament. In particular,
19203-508: The constitution. As both the monarch and his or her representatives are traditionally barred from the House of Commons, any parliamentary ceremonies in which they are involved take place in the Senate chamber. The upper and lower houses do, however, each contain a mace , which indicates the authority of the King-in-Parliament and the privilege granted to that body by him, both bearing a crown at their apex. The original mace for
19376-478: The death of an incumbent or former governor general. The crest of the Royal Arms of Canada is employed as the badge of the governor general, appearing on the viceroy's flag and on other objects associated with the person or the office. This is the fourth such incarnation of the governor general's mark since confederation. The governor general may also wear the uniform and corresponding cap or hat badge of
19549-697: The entire household is often referred to as Government House and its departments are funded through the normal federal budgetary process , as is the governor general's salary of CAD$ 288,900, which has been taxed since 2013. Additional costs are incurred from separate ministries and organizations such as the National Capital Commission , the Department of National Defence , and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The governor general's air transportation
19722-412: The establishment of a separate and uniquely Canadian monarchy, the governor general became the direct personal representative of the independently Canadian sovereign (the monarch in his Canadian council). Throughout this process of gradually increasing Canadian independence, the role of governor general took on additional responsibilities, such as acting as Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian militia in
19895-524: The faults of the American federal system, with its relatively powerful states and a less powerful federal government. The British North America Act limited the powers of the provinces, providing that all subjects not explicitly delegated to them by that document remain within the authority of the Canadian Parliament, while simultaneously giving the provinces unique powers in certain agreed-upon areas of jurisdiction. Full legislative autonomy
20068-399: The federal and provincial legislatures ; in general, provincial legislatures may only pass laws relating to topics explicitly reserved for them by the constitution (such as education, provincial officers, municipal government, charitable institutions, and "matters of a merely local or private nature") while any matter not under the exclusive authority of the provincial legislatures is within
20241-521: The federal parliament regulates marriage and divorce in general, but the solemnization of marriage is regulated only by the provincial legislatures. Other examples include the powers of both the federal and provincial parliaments to impose taxes, borrow money, punish crimes, and regulate agriculture. The powers of Parliament are also limited by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms , though most of its provisions can be overridden by use of
20414-430: The first unofficial Governor of New France in the early 17th century, serving until Charles Huault de Montmagny was in 1636 formally appointed to the post by King Louis XIII . The French Company of One Hundred Associates then administered New France until King Louis XIV took control of the colony and appointed Augustin de Saffray de Mésy as the first governor general in 1663, after whom 12 more people served in
20587-632: The forces. The governor general also serves as honorary Colonel of three household regiments : the Governor General's Horse Guards , Governor General's Foot Guards and Canadian Grenadier Guards . This ceremonial position is directly under that of Colonel-in-Chief , which is held by the King. Since 1910, the governor general was also always made the chief scout for Canada, which was renamed Chief Scout of Canada after 1946 and again in 2011 as Patron Scout . Rideau Hall , located in Ottawa,
20760-436: The fostering of every influence that will sweeten and elevate public life; to ... join in making known the resources and developments of the country; to vindicate, if required, the rights of the people and the ordinariness and Constitution, and lastly, to promote by all means in his power, without reference to class or creed, every movement and every institution calculated to forward the social, moral, and religious welfare of
20933-524: The governor general acts almost always (except on the matter of honours) on the advice of the prime minister. The office began in the 17th century, when the French Crown appointed governors of the colony of Canada and, following the British conquest of the colony in 1763, the British monarch appointed governors of the Province of Quebec (later the Canadas ). Consequently, the office is, along with
21106-488: The governor general carries on until death, resignation, or the appointment of his or her successor. Only once, with the Earl Alexander of Tunis , has a royal proclamation been issued to end a governor general's incumbency. Should a governor general die, resign, or leave the country for longer than one month, the chief justice of Canada (or, if that position is vacant or unavailable, the senior puisne justice of
21279-457: The governor general must draw from the Privy Council an individual to appoint as prime minister . In almost all cases, this is the member of Parliament who commands the confidence of the House of Commons , whom the governor general must appoint to the Privy Council, if that person is not already a member, so the individual can be appointed prime minister. The prime minister then advises the governor general to appoint other members of parliament to
21452-721: The governor general, and at that moment the flag of the governor general of Canada is raised on the Peace Tower , the " Vice Regal Salute " is played by the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces , and a 21-gun salute is conducted by the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery . The governor general is seated on the throne while a prayer is read, and then receives the Great Seal of Canada (which
21625-572: The head of state and the Order of Canada, itself. In 2021, Grand Chief Vernon Watchmaker and Chief Germaine Anderson of the Six Nations of the Grand River wrote to Queen Elizabeth II, suggesting that the federal Cabinet consult treaty nations before the appointment of a new governor general, stating, "we are partners with the Crown ." A new approach was used in 2010 for the selection of David Johnston as governor general-designate. For
21798-430: The imposition of taxes or for the appropriation of Crown funds. The constitutional amendment procedure does make provision for the Commons overcoming an otherwise-required Senate resolution in most cases. Otherwise, the theoretical power of both houses over bills is equal, with the assent of each being required for passage. In practice, however, the House of Commons is dominant, with the Senate rarely exercising its powers in
21971-550: The inhabitants of the Dominion. Governor General the Marquess of Aberdeen , 1893 Canada shares the person of the sovereign equally with 14 other countries in the Commonwealth of Nations and that individual, in the monarch's capacity as the Canadian sovereign, has 10 other legal personas within the Canadian federation . As the sovereign works and resides in the United Kingdom, the governor general's primary task
22144-478: The job, "it is no easy thing to be a governor general of Canada. You must have the patience of a saint, the smile of a cherub , the generosity of an Indian prince, and the back of a camel", and the Earl of Dufferin stated that the governor general is "a representative of all that is august, stable, and sedate in the government, the history and the traditions of the country; incapable of partizanship and lifted far above
22317-464: The last amateur challenge was made in 1913 by Vancouver Athletic Club. This would be the only time in Canadian lacrosse history when the Mann Cup champions (Vancouver) faced the Minto Cup champions (New Westminster) head-to-head – with the silverware (Minto) going to the winner. With the professionals essentially in control of the cup by 1910, the newly inaugurated Mann Cup became the replacement for
22490-399: The late 1930s, but, it was not until Massey's appointment by King George VI in 1952 that the position was filled by a Canadian-born individual. The prime minister at the time, Louis St. Laurent, wrote in a letter to the media, "[i]t seems to me no one of the King's subjects, wherever he resides, should be considered unworthy to represent the King, provided he has the personal qualifications and
22663-580: The law in question. No governor general has denied royal assent to a bill. Provincial viceroys, however, are able to reserve royal assent to provincial bills for the governor general, which was last invoked in 1961 by the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan . With most constitutional functions lent to Cabinet, the governor general acts in a primarily ceremonial fashion. The governor general will host members of Canada's royal family , as well as foreign royalty and heads of state, and will represent
22836-439: The legislature cease all legislative business until the governor general issues another proclamation calling for a new session to begin; except for the election of a speaker for the House of Commons and his or her claiming of that house's privileges, the same procedures for the opening of Parliament are again followed. After a number of such sessions—having ranged from one to seven —a Parliament comes to an end via dissolution , and
23009-463: The legislature, after which the writs for a general federal election are usually dropped by the governor general at Rideau Hall . Upon completion of the election, the governor general, on the advice of the prime minister, then issues a royal proclamation summoning Parliament to assemble. On the date given, new MPs are sworn in and then are, along with returning MPs, called to the Senate, where they are instructed to elect their speaker and return to
23182-563: The legislature. While her father, King George VI , had been the first Canadian monarch to grant royal assent in the legislature—doing so in 1939—Queen Elizabeth II was the first sovereign to deliver the speech from the throne . This event, in 1957, was the first time television cameras were allowed into the chambers of parliament, as the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation broadcast the speech nation-wide. The Canadian House of Commons and Senate last requested
23355-551: The maces of the House of Commons and Senate crossed behind. The budget for the Parliament of Canada for the 2010 fiscal year was $ 583,567,000. Following the cession of New France to the United Kingdom in the 1763 Treaty of Paris , Canada was governed according to the Royal Proclamation issued by King George III in that same year. To this was added the Quebec Act , by which the power to make ordinances
23528-554: The monarch on the advice of the British Cabinet ; until 1890, by the secretary of state for the colonies for approval by the prime minister. After that, a policy of consulting the Canadian Cabinet was established; though, this process was not always followed. The Balfour Declaration of 1926 recognized the governor general as no longer a stand-in for the British government, but, rather a direct representative of
23701-416: The monarch retains the sole right to appoint the governor general. It is also stipulated that the governor general may appoint deputies —usually Supreme Court justices and the secretary to the governor general—who can perform some of the viceroy's constitutional duties in the governor general's absence, and the chief justice of the Supreme Court (or a puisne justice in the chief justice's absence) will act as
23874-413: The monarch's stead, and, in 1927, the first official international visit by a governor general was made. In 1947, King George VI issued letters patent allowing the viceroy to exercise almost all powers on behalf of the monarch. As a matter of law, however, the governor general is not in the same constitutional position as the sovereign; the office itself does not independently possess any powers of
24047-507: The most part, however, the powers of the Crown are exercised on a day-to-day basis by elected and appointed individuals, leaving the governor general to perform the various ceremonial duties the sovereign otherwise carries out when in the country; at such a moment, the governor general removes him or herself from public, though the presence of the monarch does not affect the governor general's ability to perform governmental roles. Past governor general John Campbell, Marquess of Lorne , said of
24220-413: The new one arrived from the United Kingdom in 1917, is still carried into the Senate each 3 February. The Senate's 1.6-metre-long mace comprises brass and gold. The Senate may not sit if its mace is not in the chamber; it typically sits on the table with the crown facing the throne, though it may, during certain ceremonies, be held by the mace bearer, standing adjacent to the governor general or monarch in
24393-637: The official opposition, on the matter. Once the government implemented conscription, Devonshire, after consulting on the pulse of the nation with Sir Wilfrid Laurier , Vincent Massey, Henri Bourassa , Archbishop of Montreal Paul Bruchési , Duncan Campbell Scott , Vilhjalmur Stefansson , and Stephen Leacock , made efforts to conciliate Quebec , though he had little real success. Parliament of Canada Later added some jurisdiction from: His Majesty's Loyal Opposition Parties with official status Parties without official status The Parliament of Canada ( French : Parlement du Canada )
24566-569: The party membership rather than caucus, as is the case in the United Kingdom; John Robson of the National Post opined that Canada's parliament had become a body akin to the American Electoral College , "its sole and ceremonial role to confirm the executive in power." At the end of the 20th century and into the 21st, analysts—such as Jeffrey Simpson , Donald Savoie , and John Gomery —argued that both Parliament and
24739-477: The passage of the bill establishing the Goods and Services Tax , Prime Minister Brian Mulroney advised Queen Elizabeth II to appoint extra senators in 1990. This results in a temporary maximum number of senators of 113, which must through attrition return to its normal number of 105. The elected component of the Canadian Parliament is the House of Commons ( French : Chambre des communes ), with each member chosen by
24912-675: The place of the legal and judicial safeguards provided in the United States by written Constitutions, enforceable in the courts." Within the Dominions , until the 1920s, most reserve powers were exercised by a governor-general on the advice of either the local or the British Cabinet, with the latter taking precedence. After the Imperial Conference of 1926 produced the Balfour Declaration , formally establishing
25085-574: The post. With the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763, France relinquished most of its North American territories, including Canada, to Great Britain . King George III then issued in that same year a royal proclamation establishing, amongst other regulations, the Office of the Governor of Quebec to preside over the new Province of Quebec . Nova Scotia and New Brunswick remained completely separate colonies, each with their own governor, until
25258-696: The practice of alternating between francophone and anglophone Canadians was instituted with the appointment of Vanier, a francophone who succeeded the anglophone Massey. All persons whose names are put forward to the King for approval must first undergo background checks by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service . Although required by the tenets of constitutional monarchy to be nonpartisan while in office, governors general were often former politicians;
25431-590: The prime minister at the time, Robert Borden ; though the latter placed blame on Military Secretary Edward Stanton, he also opined that the Duke "laboured under the handicap of his position as a member of the Royal Family and never realized his limitations as Governor General". Prince Arthur's successor, Victor Cavendish, 9th Duke of Devonshire , faced the Conscription Crisis of 1917 and held discussions with his Canadian prime minister, as well as members of
25604-505: The prime minister to resign on two occasions: In 1896, Prime Minister Charles Tupper refused to step down after his party failed to win a majority in the House of Commons during that year's election , leading Governor General the Earl of Aberdeen to no longer recognize Tupper as prime minister and disapprove of several appointments Tupper had recommended. In 1925, the King–Byng affair took place, in which Prime Minister Mackenzie King, facing
25777-461: The prime minister, which may be preceded by a successful motion of no confidence . The timing of such dissolutions may be politically motivated. Both houses determine motions by voice vote ; the presiding officer puts the question and, after listening to shouts of "yea" and "nay" from the members, announces which side is victorious. This decision by the Speaker is final, unless a recorded vote
25950-431: The program and policy plans, as well as the projected expenditures, and the effectiveness of the implementation thereof, for the same departments; and the analysis of the performance of those departments. Most often, bills end up before a standing committee , which is a body of members or senators who specialize in a particular subject (such as foreign affairs ), and who may hear testimony from ministers and experts, debate
26123-436: The province the candidate seeks to represent. Senators served for life until 1965, when a constitutional amendment imposed a mandatory retirement age of 75. Senators may, however, resign their seats prior to that mark, and can lose their position should they fail to attend two consecutive sessions of Parliament. The principle underlying the Senate's composition is equality amongst Canada's geographic regions (called Divisions in
26296-494: The provinces of New Brunswick , Nova Scotia , and Canada—with the Province of Canada split into Quebec and Ontario —into a single federation called the Dominion of Canada . Though the form of the new federal legislature was again nearly identical to the Parliament of the United Kingdom, the decision to retain this model was made with heavy influence from the just-concluded American Civil War , which indicated to many Canadians
26469-465: The receipt of other awards. The Viceregal Salute — composed of the first six bars of the Royal Anthem (" God Save the King ") followed by the first and last four bars of the national anthem (" O Canada ") — is the salute used to greet the governor general upon arrival and departure from most official events. To mark the viceroy's presence at any building, ship, airplane, or car in Canada,
26642-513: The required oaths are administered to the appointee by either the chief justice or one of the puisne justices of the Supreme Court ; the three oaths are: the Oath of Allegiance , the Oath of Office as Governor General and Commander-in-Chief, and the Oath as Keeper of the Great Seal of Canada . With the affixing of their signature to these three solemn promises, the individual is officially
26815-542: The riding. The governor general also summons and calls together the House of Commons, and may prorogue or dissolve Parliament , in order to either end a parliamentary session or call a general election . The governor general also delivers the throne speech at the opening of each new Parliament (the monarch occasionally has done so, instead of the governor general, when visiting Canada). The current Parliament , summoned by Governor General Mary Simon in November 2021,
26988-481: The rules, including contempt of Parliament —disobedience of its authority; for example, giving false testimony before a parliamentary committee—and breaches of its own privileges. The Canadian Heraldic Authority , on 15 April 2008, granted the Parliament of Canada, as an institution, a heraldic achievement composed of symbols of the three elements of Parliament: the escutcheon of the Royal Arms of Canada with
27161-419: The scope of the federal Parliament's power. Thus, Parliament alone can pass laws relating to, among other things, the postal service, census, military , navigation and shipping, fishing, currency, banking, weights and measures, bankruptcy, copyrights, patents, First Nations , and naturalization . In some cases, however, the jurisdictions of the federal and provincial parliaments may be more vague. For instance,
27334-668: The senior men's national amateur championship. The Minto Cup professional competition was dominated by the New Westminster Salmonbellies , who held the trophy for 21 of the 29 years in which it was contested (the competition was suspended during World War I ). 1924 was the last year professionals played for the Minto Cup—after the Coast professional league folded in June 1924, it was then placed into storage and for
27507-473: The sovereign has varied. Richard Bennett suggested a number of names in an informal letter to King George V in 1930, all of which the King approved, leading Bennett to pick Vere Ponsonby, 9th Earl of Bessborough . Mackenzie King in 1945 gave three names to King George VI, who chose Harold Alexander (later the Viscount Alexander of Tunis). Mackenzie King then made the formal recommendation to
27680-406: The speaker of the Senate, on behalf of the Crown, replies in acknowledgement after the sovereign or viceroy takes their seat on the throne. The speech is then read aloud. It can outline the program of the Cabinet for the upcoming legislative session, as well as other matters chosen by the speaker. A parliamentary session lasts until a prorogation, after which, without ceremony, both chambers of
27853-499: The stability of government, by political convention typically binding. The governor general has mainly only the right to advise, encourage, and warn; to offer valued counsel to the prime minister. Both the King and his viceroy, however, may in exceptional circumstances invoke the reserve powers , which remain the Crown's final check against a ministry's abuse of power. The reserve power of dismissal has never been used in Canada, although other reserve powers have been employed to force
28026-603: The task, Prime Minister Stephen Harper convened a special search group—the Governor General Consultation Committee —which was instructed to find a non-partisan candidate who would respect the monarchical aspects of the viceregal office and conducted extensive consultations with more than 200 people across the country. In 2012, the committee was made permanent and renamed as the Advisory Committee on Vice-Regal Appointments , with
28199-487: The term is not usually applied to senators (except in legislation, such as the Parliament of Canada Act ), even though the Senate is a part of Parliament. Though legislatively less powerful, senators take higher positions in the national order of precedence . No individual may serve in more than one chamber at the same time. The sovereign's place in the legislature, formally known as the King-in-Parliament ,
28372-472: The tradition begun in 1869 by Governor General the Lord Lisgar . The governor general will also induct individuals into the various national orders and present national medals and decorations. Similarly, the viceroy administers and distributes the Governor General's Awards , and will also give out awards associated with private organizations , some of which are named for past governors general. During
28545-479: The use of the style His or Her Excellency and the governor general is granted the additional honorific of the Right Honourable for their time in office and for life afterwards. Until 1952, all governors general of Canada were members of the peerage or heir apparent to a peerage. Typically, individuals appointed as federal viceroy were already a peer, either by inheriting the title, such as
28718-525: The viceregal appointment process, stating that the position being "not elected is an asset, not a handicap", and that an election would politicize the office, thereby undermining the impartiality necessary to the proper functioning of the governor general. Retired University of Ottawa professor John E. Trent proposed the governor general be head of state and selected by the Officers of the Order of Canada , something Chris Selley argued would politicize both
28891-494: The viceroy at the time. However, the practice is usually informal and the prime minister will typically schedule a telephone call to request the governor general perform a significant task. The governor general regularly receives the minutes from Cabinet meetings and any documents referred to in those minutes. The governor general also summons Parliament, reads the speech from the throne , and prorogues and dissolves Parliament. The governor general grants royal assent in
29064-549: Was granted by the Statute of Westminster, 1931 , passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Though the statute allowed the Parliament of Canada to repeal or amend previously British laws as they applied to Canada, it did not permit amendment to Canada's constitution, including the British North America Acts. Hence, whenever a constitutional amendment was sought by the Canadian Parliament, the enactment of
29237-517: Was granted to a governor-in-council , both the governor and council being appointed by the British monarch in Westminster, on the advice of his or her ministers there. In 1791, the Province of Quebec was divided into Upper and Lower Canada , each with an elected legislative assembly , an appointed legislative council , and a governor, mirroring the parliamentary structure in Britain. During
29410-477: Was in Montreal ; and, after a few years of alternating between Toronto and Quebec City , the legislature was finally moved to Ottawa in 1856, Queen Victoria having chosen that city as Canada's capital in 1857. The modern-day Parliament of Canada came into existence in 1867, in which year the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland passed the British North America Act, 1867 , uniting
29583-476: Was put to the test when John Campbell, Marquess of Lorne , disagreed with his Canadian prime minister, John A. Macdonald , over the dismissal of Lieutenant Governor of Quebec Luc Letellier de St-Just . On the advice of the colonial secretary, and to avoid conflict with the Canadian Cabinet, Campbell did eventually concede and released St-Just from duty. The governor general was then in May 1891 called upon to resolve
29756-439: Was sworn in as viceroy. The leader of His Majesty's Loyal Opposition at the time, Mackenzie King, felt Buchan should serve as governor general as a commoner. However, George V insisted he be represented by a peer. With the appointment of Massey as governor general in 1952, governors general ceased to be members of the peerage; successive prime ministers since that date have held to the non-binding and defeated (in 1934) principles of
29929-422: Was the first governor general in Canadian history without either a political or military background, as well as the first Asian-Canadian and the second woman, following on Jeanne Sauvé . The third woman to hold this position was also the first Caribbean-Canadian governor general, Michaëlle Jean . There have been, from time to time, proposals put forward for modifications to the selection process. Citizens for
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