Governor General welcomed new Heads of Mission to Canada during a ceremony at Rideau Hall

November 3, 2021

OTTAWA, Ontario—Today, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary May Simon, Governor General of Canada, welcomed three new heads of mission to Canada during a formal presentation ceremony at Rideau Hall.

Upon their arrival in Canada, new heads of mission must present their letters of credence to the governor general before they can carry out their duties. Letters of credence are the official documents that accredit a diplomat as an ambassador or high commissioner to another country.

These types of ceremonies highlight the governor general’s important role in representing Canada, building bridges with other nations to achieve common goals, and fostering diversity and acceptance.

The following new heads of mission presented their credentials:

Her Excellency Immaculate Nduku Musili Wambua
High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya

His Excellency Patrick Guido M. Van Gheel
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium

His Excellency Molise Paul Tšeole
High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Lesotho

Quick facts:

  • A key responsibility of the governor general is to represent Canada at home and abroad.
  • The governor general must officially welcome to Canada both high commissioners from countries of which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is not the head of State and ambassadors before they can carry out their duties.
  • A high commissioner is a representative of a Commonwealth country.
  • An ambassador is a representative of a country that is not part of the Commonwealth.
  • Currently, there are more than 180 missions accredited to Canada.

 

Media information:
Rideau Hall Press Office
343-573-7563
media@gg.ca

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