How is the Governor General chosen?
- Appointed by the Sovereign on the advice of the Prime Minister, usually for five years
- Chosen by the Senate
- Elected by all Canadians
- Elected by provincial Premiers
Answer: Appointed by the Sovereign on the advice of the Prime Minister, usually for five years
The Governor General is not elected. The Sovereign appoints him or her on the advice of the Prime Minister, usually for five years. Lieutenant Governors are chosen in a similar way, but by the Governor General.
Learn more: Constitutional monarchy
- Head of State: the Sovereign, King Charles III.
- Head of Government: the Prime Minister, who actually directs the governing of the country. Canada clearly separates the two roles.
- The Sovereign plays an important, non-partisan role as the focus of citizenship and allegiance, most visibly during royal visits.
- The Sovereign is a symbol of Canadian sovereignty, a guardian of constitutional freedoms and a reflection of our history.
- As Head of the Commonwealth, the Sovereign links Canada to 55 other member countries that cooperate for social, economic and cultural progress.
- Other constitutional monarchies include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Spain, Thailand, Japan, Jordan and Morocco.
- The Governor General represents the Sovereign in Canada and is appointed by the Sovereign on the advice of the Prime Minister, usually for five years.
- The Governor General grants royal assent to bills on behalf of the Sovereign.