The Role of the Governor General of Canada

The Governor General represents the Sovereign, the King, at the federal level in Canada and carries out the duties of the head of state. It is a central role in the Canadian system that the citizenship test often covers.

Representing the Sovereign

Canada is a constitutional monarchy. The Sovereign does not live in the country, so the Governor General represents the Sovereign federally and carries out the daily duties of the head of state. This role sits within the Parliament of Canada, of which the Sovereign is one of the three parts.

The Governor General acts according to clear constitutional rules and on the advice of the government. The Governor General does not run the country's politics.

The main duties

Among these duties, the Governor General gives Royal Assent to bills. Without this final step, a bill passed by both chambers cannot become law. The Governor General also carries out other constitutional roles on behalf of the Sovereign.

• Represents the Sovereign at the federal level.
• Carries out the duties of head of state.
• Gives Royal Assent to bills.
• Is appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.
• In the provinces, a Lieutenant Governor represents the Sovereign.

Appointment and the provincial level

The Governor General is appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister. At the provincial level, the Sovereign is represented by a Lieutenant Governor, who plays a similar role in each province. To tell the roles apart, see our article on the Senate and the House of Commons.

To place this role in context, see the guide Canada Explained and test your knowledge with our chapter quizzes.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Governor General of Canada do? The Governor General represents the Sovereign at the federal level and carries out the duties of head of state, such as giving Royal Assent to bills.

Who appoints the Governor General? The Governor General is appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Who represents the Sovereign in the provinces? At the provincial level, the Sovereign is represented by a Lieutenant Governor.