Louise Arbour will be installed Monday as Canada’s 31st governor general. Here are the symbols that will play a part in that ceremony.
FILE – Governor General Mary Simon presents the Great Seal of Canada to Melanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, during a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
The governor general of Canada is given the Great Seal of Canada during the installation ceremony. The seal is then given to the registrar general — currently Industry Minister Mélanie Joly — for use and safekeeping.
The federal government’s website says the seal symbolizes the power and authority of the Crown.
It’s used for ceremonies and administrative purposes and to seal state documents, like royal proclamations and commissions issued for the appointment of ministers, lieutenant-governors, senators and judges.
While the Great Seal has existed since Confederation, its design has changed. During his visit to Canada last year, King Charles III approved a new design for the seal that features the royal crown.
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FILE – Governor General David Johnston signs the oath of office during the installation ceremony of the 28th Governor General in the Senate on Parliament Hill , Friday, Oct. 1, 2010, in Ottawa.
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The three oaths of office
Arbour will take three oaths during the installation ceremony. They include the Oath of Allegiance, the oath of the Office of the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, and the oath of the Keeper of the Great Seal of Canada.
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The oaths will be signed by Arbour, the chief justice, Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Clerk of the Privy Council Michael Sabia.
FILE – Queen Elizabeth II listens to the royal anthem as she stands at the throne at the Nunavut Legislative Assembly in Iqaluit Friday, Oct. 4, 2002.
CP PHOTO/Paul Chiasson
A 21-gun salute will be fired from Parliament Hill as Arbour ascends to the throne in the Senate chamber. During this time, the Canadian Armed Forces Central Band will play the Royal Anthem, “God Save the King.”
Originating in the 18th century, the song is also the national anthem of the United Kingdom. The federal government’s website says neither the author nor the composer is known.
While the traditional song is English, there are also French and bilingual versions used in Canada.
In Canada, the anthem is performed in the presence of members of the Royal Family. It’s also performed on special occasions, such as commemorative ceremonies.
FILE – The Governor General’s flag flies on the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa on Monday, Oct. 2, 2017.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
The governor general’s flag
As Arbour ascends to the throne, the Governor General’s flag will be raised on the Peace Tower.
The blue flag has the crest of the Arms of Canada in its centre, a symbol of Canadian sovereignty. The crest includes a gold lion wearing the royal crown and holding a red maple leaf in its right paw. The lion stands on a wreath in the official colours of Canada.
The Governor General of Canada website says the flag was approved by Queen Elizabeth II in 1981.
FILE – The Collars of Office are shown during the installation of Mary Simon as Governor General of Canada in Ottawa on Monday, July 26, 2021.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
The four collars of office
The Governor General is the chancellor of the Order of Canada, the Order of Military Merit and the Order of Merit of the Police Forces. They are also head of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
The federal government’s website says the presentation of the collars of office for those roles during the installation ceremony represents the Governor General’s authority.
It says the collars are worn when the Governor General presides over certain ceremonial events.
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