Getting to know me: Gov. Gen. Payette breaks down her vice-regal role

The 98 newly elected Members of Parliament who recently started work undoubtedly know that Canada has a Governor General. While many may know that I currently hold this position, some may not know, in detail, what a Governor General does. So we invited the MPs just before I departed for Israel and Poland to attend Holocaust remembrance ceremonies, so I could speak about my role. First and foremost, I represent the Crown, and I brought the Queen’s greetings to all the Members of the 43rd Parliament. Her Majesty first greeted the 22nd Parliament in 1953. She has reigned for almost half of our nation’s history. My key role is constitutional, and, above all, provides a non-partisan, apolitical continuity of state while governments change. It was a busy two years in that regard. I dissolved the 42nd Parliament, I swore in the prime minister, a new cabinet, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Before the holidays, I read the speech from the throne, and now that Parliament is in session, I give royal assents to the laws this body brings into being. Gov. Gen. Julie Payette reads the throne speech to kick off the 43rd Parliament in the Senate Chamber on Dec. 5, 2019. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia Also, I am Commander-in-Chief of Canada and I fiercely support our men and women in uniform. I visit military bases here and around the world and I recognize their sacrifices. I attend memorials and honour their merit and bravery at ceremonies at Rideau Hall and the Citadelle of Quebec (the second official residence). I travelled with veterans to Belgium, France, Italy, and the Netherlands to commemorate the Canadian troops who helped liberate Europe from tyranny, 75 years ago during the Second World War. Our soldiers fought and died for the freedom we enjoy today. We owe them an immense debt of gratitude. We are a nation of amazing people—open, tolerant, and diverse—and another one of my responsibilities is to honour Canada’s best and brightest. The Order of Canada, and the medals and awards programs we administer recognize outstanding Canadian achievements. I am fortunate to meet so many of them in my day-to-day work. Gov. Gen. Julie Payette, pictured visiting CAF members serving on Operation Reassurance in Romania in December 2019, is commander-in-chief of the Canadian Armed Forces. Rideau Hall photograph by Sgt. Johanie Maheu As a Canadian astronaut, I have long represented Canada to the world. It is a privilege to continue this work as Governor General. I host foreign officials and greet ambassadors upon their arrival in Canada. I visit our missions abroad, and I lead delegations of smart and talented Canadians to strengthen political, economic, and intellectual ties with other countries. Some think governors general primarily cut ribbons. In fact, I have only cut two, but they are among my fondest memories as they represented the essence of the role: bringing people together. The first was for the opening of Canada House at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in 2018. Canada welcomed the world inside this beautiful building, and thousands of people had their first taste of what our country is about. Meanwhile, our athletes put on their best Winter Olympic performance ever. One of the two ribbon cuttings Gov. Gen. Julie Payette has participated in since taking office was for the opening of the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway in November 2017. Photograph courtesy of Twitter The second ribbon cutting opened the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway—Canada’s first all-weather road to the Arctic Ocean. There were 1,000 people out in the cold that day at either end of the road to celebrate the achievement: 138 kilometres, four years in the making, designed and built by northerners. For the first time, it joined year-round two of our northernmost communities, and truly connected Canada from coast-to-coast-to-coast. What a thrill this was. With my team, we work hard to make the Governor General's role better known to Canadians. We started a program called "GGInteractive" to connect online with students and answer their questions. I criss-cross the country and invite people to join me on “GGActive” events that encourages healthy living. I have hiked up Signal Hill, canoed outside Flin Flon, Man., and biked in Victoria, B.C., to name just a few. Finally, being the Queen’s representative does not mean tea at the palace. I have met Her Majesty once, at Balmoral Castle, to receive my commission prior to the start of my mandate. Her charm and her candour impressed me greatly. But I see her likeness everyday, on her horse, Centenial. When I heard that her equestrian statue would be put in storage during the Centre Block renovations, I asked to have her moved to the roundabout in front of Rideau Hall. Please come and see her, and while you do, stop by Rideau Hall. It is open to visitors all year round and it is your house—Canada’s house. Julie Payette is the Governor General of Canada. The Hill Times

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Getting to know me: Gov. Gen. Payette breaks down her vice-regal role

The job of the Queen’s representative in Canada isn’t just ribbon cutting and tea at the palace.

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