On October 1, 2010, His Excellency David Johnston took his role as Canada’s 28th Governor General since Confederation.

Johnston, a former law professor born in Sudbury, Ontario, was selected for the position following extensive national consultations by an expert advisory committee. The recommendation was then approved by Queen Elizabeth II.

He took over the position from the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, who served as Canada’s Governor General since 2005.

For the first time, the appointment of the Governor General is not a purely political decision, but is rather the product of thorough deliberation by a committee representing all ends of the political spectrum. This is an initiative carried out by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.  The individual chosen is expected to carry out his or her duties in an independent, nonpartisan manner.

In Canada, the Governor General acts as the Head of State both at home and abroad. This individual is responsible for presenting honours and awards to recognize excellence, valour, bravery and exceptional achievements, as well as representing the nation on state trips and receiving royal visitors, Heads of State and foreign ambassadors at Rideau Hall.

The individual appointed generally holds the office for a term of approximately five years.
Johnston’s experience as a professor in the law departments at Queen’s University, the University of Toronto, the University of Western Ontario and McGill University has rendered him a constitutional expert. He has also specialized in securities regulation, information technology and corporate law.

While such a high level of legal expertise is always valuable for someone in his position, it is likely to prove particularly beneficial during a minority government.

He has served on a number of task forces and committees at both the federal and provincial level, in addition to having experience as a board member on a number of companies.

As founding chair of the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy, Mr. Johnston has demonstrated a solid understanding of some of the important issues facing our country today.

A recipient of the Order of Canada (Companion), the Governor General has co-authored two dozen books and holds honorary doctorates from over a dozen universities.

His impressive resume extends beyond our national borders. He holds the distinction of being the first non-American chair of the Board of Overseers at Harvard University.

We welcome His Excellency to Ottawa in his capacity as Governor General, and am confident he will do a fine job representing Canada in the coming years.

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