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  • Jean-Daniel Lafond's Biography

    Information

    Born in France, Jean-Daniel Lafond taught philosophy, was a film critic and a theoretician. He also carried out research in educational sciences and specialized in media pedagogy.

  • Governor General’s farewell message

    Information  –  September 10, 2010

    As my mandate as governor general and commander-in-chief of Canada draws to a close, I have only one wish, and that is to say THANK YOU.

  • Lord Tweedsmuir

    Information  –  November 2, 1935

    When Lord Tweedsmuir became Governor General, Canada was graced with a very literary viceregal couple. Lord Tweedsmuir was a prolific author, writing two or three books a year – his suspense novel Thirty-Nine Steps later became famous when Alfred Hitchcock made it into a movie. Lady Tweedsmuir wrote...

  • The Earl of Bessborough

    Information  –  April 4, 1931

    Communications was a hallmark of Lord Bessborough's term of office. His installation was the first to be broadcast nationally by radio. He inaugurated the first trans-Canadian phone system in 1932, speaking from his study at Rideau Hall to each of the Lieutenant Governors, and had a direct telephone...

  • The Viscount Willingdon

    Information  –  August 5, 1926

    Lord Willingdon assumed his new duties as Governor General just as Canada embarked, domestically and internationally, on a new direction as an independent nation.

  • The Duke of Devonshire

    Information  –  November 11, 1916

    The appointment of the Duke of Devonshire as Governor General caused brief political problems because Prime Minister Borden's government had not been consulted by the British Prime Minister.

  • H.R.H The Duke of Connaught

    Information  –  October 13, 1911

    Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught, was the third son of Queen Victoria, and was the first member of the Royal Family to become Governor General of Canada.

  • Earl Grey

    Information  –  December 10, 1904

    Earl Grey was a very active Governor General. He was in constant contact with the Prime Minister, offering ideas for social reform. He sought greater political inclusion for all, and worked to reach as many ordinary Canadians as possible.

  • The Earl of Minto

    Information  –  November 12, 1898

    Long before his viceregal appointment, Lord Minto spent several years in Canada serving as an Aide-de-camp to General Middleton during the North West Rebellion.

  • The Earl of Aberdeen

    Information  –  September 18, 1893

    Even before Lord Aberdeen became Governor General in 1893, he and Lady Aberdeen had fallen in love with Canada. They had taken a world tour in 1890, which included an extensive visit to Canada. The Aberdeens were so impressed with this country that they purchased "Coldstream Ranch", located in the O...

  • The Earl of Derby

    Information  –  June 11, 1888

    In 1893, Lord Stanley gave Canada a treasured national icon -- the Stanley Cup. He originally donated the trophy as an award for Canada's top-ranking amateur hockey club. Then in 1926, the National Hockey League adopted the Stanley Cup as the championship prize in professional hockey.

  • The Marquess of Lansdowne

    Information  –  October 23, 1883

    The Marquess of Lansdowne was Governor General during turbulent times in Canada. Sir John A. Macdonald's government was in its second term and facing allegations of scandal over the building of the railway, and the economy was once again sliding into recession.

  • The Duke of Argyll

    Information  –  November 25, 1878

    When Lord Lorne's appointment was announced, there was great excitement throughout Canada. For the first time, Rideau Hall would have a royal resident – Queen Victoria's fourth daughter, Princess Louise, had married Lord Lorne on March 21, 1871.

  • The Earl of Dufferin

    Information  –  June 25, 1872

    Lord Dufferin served as Governor General of Canada during a period of rapid change in Canadian history. During his term, Prince Edward Island was admitted to Confederation, and several well-known Canadian institutions, such as the Supreme Court of Canada, the Royal Military College of Canada, and th...

  • Lord Lisgar

    Information  –  February 2, 1869

    Lord Lisgar, Canada's second Governor General, was not shy about voicing criticism or strong opinions. While some resented his independent mind, Sir John A. Macdonald thought Lisgar the most able of the Governors General he had known.

  • The Viscount Monck

    Information  –  July 1, 1867

    Viscount Monck was Canada's first Governor General – but he had actually served as Governor of British North America since 1861.