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The Governor General of Canada

The Governor General of Canada

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette

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      • Directory of Honours
        • 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal
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        • Article 5 NATO Medal for Operation “Eagle Assist” (2001-02)
        • Assistance Mission in Rwanda (1993-96)
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        • Disengagement Observation Force Golan Heights (1974- )
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        • European Community Monitor Mission (Yugoslavia) (1991- )
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        • India/Pakistan Observation Mission (1965-66)
        • Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (2006- )
        • Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (1999- )
        • Interim Force in Lebanon (1978- )
        • International Commission for Control and Supervision (Vietnam) (1973)
        • International Commission for Supervision and Control (Indo-China) (1954-74)
        • International Force East Timor (1999- )
        • Iraq/Kuwait Observer Mission (1991- )
        • Korea Medal
        • Long Service and Good Conduct Medals
        • Meritorious Service Decorations - Military Division
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        • Military Observation Group in Iran/Iraq (1988-91)
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        • Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (1991- )
        • Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1995- )
        • Mission in East Timor and Transitional Administration in East Timor (1999- )
        • Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (2000- )
        • Mission in Haiti (1993- )
        • Mission in Sudan (2005- )
        • Mission in the Central African Republic (1998-2000)
        • Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (1999- )
        • Mission in the Republic of South Sudan
        • Mission of Observers in Prevlaka (Croatia) (1996- )
        • Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali
        • Multinational Force and Observers (Sinai) (1982- )
        • NATO Medal for Former Yugoslavia (NATO-FY)
        • NATO Medal for Kosovo (1999- )
        • NATO Medal for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (2001-02)
        • Non-Article 5 NATO Medal for NATO Logistical Support to the African Union Mission in Sudan (2005- )
        • Non-Article 5 NATO Medal for Service on NATO Operation “SEA GUARDIAN” (2017- )
        • Non-Article 5 NATO Medal for Service on NATO Operation “Unified Protector - Libya” (2011- )
        • Non-Article 5 NATO Medal for operations in the Balkans (2003- )
        • Non-Article 5 NATO Medal for service on operations and activities approved by the North Atlantic Council in relation to Africa (2008- )
        • Non-Article 5 NATO Medal for the NATO Training Mission in Iraq (2004- )
        • Observation Mission in Uganda/Rwanda (1993-94)
        • Observer Group in Central America (1989-92)
        • Observer Mission in El Salvador (1991-95)
        • Observer Mission in Sierra Leone (1999- )
        • Operation in Congo (1960-64)
        • Operation in Côte D’Ivoire (2004- )
        • Operation in Mozambique (1992-94)
        • Operation in Somalia (1992-93)
        • Operational Service Medal
        • Order of Merit
        • Order of Merit of the Police Forces
        • Order of Military Merit
        • Order of St. John
        • Preventive Deployment Force (Macedonia) (1995-99)
        • Protection Force (Yugoslavia) (1992-95)
        • Provincial Orders
        • Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
        • Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal‎ (2002)
        • Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal‎ (1977)
        • Queen’s Medal for Champion Shot
        • Royal Canadian Mounted Police Long Service Medal
        • Royal Victorian Medal
        • Royal Victorian Order
        • Sacrifice Medal
        • Service (Korea) (1950-54)
        • Somalia Medal
        • South-West Asia Service Medal (SWASM)
        • Special Service (1995- )
        • Special Service Medal
        • Stabilization Mission in Haiti (2004- )
        • Temporary Executive Authority in West New Guinea (1962-63)
        • Territorial Orders
        • Transition Assistance Group (Namibia) (1989-90)
        • Transitional Authority in Cambodia (1992-93)
        • Truce Supervision Organization in Palestine (1948- ) and Observer Group in Lebanon (1958)
        • Verification of Human Rights and Compliance with the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights in Guatemala (1997-98)
        • Yemen Observation Mission (1963-64)
    • Governor General's Awards
      • Academic Medal
        • The Governor General's Academic Medal Directives
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Home > Role > Responsibilities
  • The Governor General designate Ms. Julie Payette signed the Oath Register.

    Constitutional Duties

    The governor general acts on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen to uphold our system of responsible government.

  • Her Excellency boarded a LAV during her visit at Camp Adaži.

    Commander-in-chief

    As commander-in-chief of Canada, the governor general plays a major role in recognizing the importance of Canada’s military at home and abroad.

  • Her Excellency speaking with Their Majesties the King and Queen of the Belgians.

    Represent Canada

    The governor general represents Canada at home and abroad and carries out the duties of the head of State on behalf of the Sovereign.

  • The governor general presented a Meritorious Service Medal to Maestro Kent Nagano, conductor and music director of the OSM.

    Encourage Excellence

    Through the presentation of honours, decorations and awards, the governor general recognizes those who have had a positive impact on their communities and on Canada, and encourages others to be inspired by them and to follow in their footsteps.

  • The governor general at the Olympic Games in Korea.

    Bring Canadians Together

    The governor general fosters unity by bringing Canadians from all parts of the country and all walks of life together in common cause.

Governor General Julie Payette

Responsibilities

History Happens here
The governor general’s responsibilities include carrying out constitutional duties, serving as commander-in-chief, representing Canada at home and abroad, encouraging excellence and bringing Canadians together.
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