Represent Canada
The governor general promotes Canadian sovereignty at home and represents Canada abroad. At the request of the prime minister, the governor general:
- hosts visiting heads of State;
- conducts visits abroad;
- receives foreign heads of mission (ambassadors and high commissioners); and
- signs diplomatic documents.
For most of the last century, and increasingly in recent decades, governors general have played an important role in relations between Canada and other countries by carrying out State visits abroad and by hosting many foreign heads of State on official visits to Canada. These visits allow the governor general to promote Canada, to strengthen existing international relations and to enrich ties in various sectors of Canadian life.
During State visits abroad, the governor general is always accompanied by a delegation of people representing every region of Canada, to give a more comprehensive view of our country to the host countries. The delegates represent various Canadian interests, achievements and expertise.
As part of State dinners and other official occasions at Rideau Hall or at the Citadelle, our nation’s culinary excellence is showcased by serving the finest of Canadian ingredients and wines. The arts and culture of Canada are also featured in presentations and performances held during these events.
Other diplomatic relations
Heads of mission sent to Canada are received by the governor general at an official ceremony, where he or she presents a document signed by their respective countries’ head of State, informing the governor general that the head of mission has been accredited and is authorized to represent that country in Canada. These documents are referred to as credentials.
Furthermore, the governor general accredits Canadian heads of mission by signing the diplomatic letters accrediting them before they leave Canada.
Governors general began travelling internationally in 1927, when Lord Willingdon was invited by President Calvin Coolidge to visit the United States. The first full State visit occurred 10 years later, in 1937, when John Buchan, the Lord Tweedsmuir, was received at the White House by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, where he addressed the United States Senate.
In 1948, Viscount Alexander made the first Canadian State visit to Latin America when he visited Brazil. After visiting a number of Caribbean countries in 1969, Roland Michener travelled outside of the Americas. He was the first Governor General of Canada to be received on State visits to Europe, specifically the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg, in 1971.