The new Governor General of Canada – Julie Payette – was installed to new her position yesterday, in a ceremony at Rideau Hall, attended by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
It’s with great pleasure that we are sharing with you the official photo of #GGDJuliePayette. https://t.co/2GvnprdAa8 pic.twitter.com/ReExzzeRUE
— OSGG / BSGG (@RideauHall) October 2, 2017
In the Senate Chamber, leading politicians and dignitaries – including Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly, Senate Speaker George Furey, House Speaker Geoff Regan and Indigenous elders – gathered for the important occasion, where the incoming GG signed the oath book and ascended to the throne, reminding that she is The Queen’s representative.
All former Governor General’s also attended, as well as Payette’s family and guests she had personally invited. Julie was wearing the Last Spike Brooch, which was made from one of the last two spikes that were put in the tracks to complete the Canadian Pacific Railroad in Craigellachie, B.C. in November 1885. It was first presented to Governor General Jeanne Sauvé – the first woman to hold the position – in 1986. Since that time, the brooch has been worn by female governors general, or the wives of the incumbent, on Installation Day as well as when reading Speeches from the Throne.
Julie Payette signs the oath book as new governor general of canada (crown in canada)
Ms Payette said: “I do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors” to the The Oath of Allegiance, The Oath of Office of Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada and The Oath of Keeper of the Great Seal of Canada.
In a statement, the Prime Minister said: “Your journey to space and through life may be unique, but the qualities that underpin each and every one of your successes are not.
“Your numerous achievements are above all a testament to your hard work, discipline, and most importantly your passion.
“Whether as Canada’s Chief Astronaut or as an Olympic flag bearer, you represent the very best of what it means to be Canadian and to serve Canada with aplomb and integrity.
Payette ascends to the throne as new governor general (crown in canada)
“And while Ms. Payette stands on the shoulders of giants, I have no doubt that she will carry on one of Canada’s oldest tradition by shaping this role into her own,” Trudeau added.
The national anthem was also played, before Payette and Trudeau went outside to inspect a guard of honour, as Payette’s first official duty.
julie payette inspects a guard of honour outside rideau hall (Crown in canada)
Ms Payette, a former astronaut, took over the position from David Johnstone, who has serve as The Queen’s representative in Canada for seven years. She is the 29th person to hold this position, 12 of whom have served Elizabeth II.
Payette met The Queen last month, when she visited Balmoral. There, Her Majesty invested the Canadian as an Extraordinary Companion of the Order of Canada (C.C.), an Extraordinary Commander of the Order of Military Merit (C.M.M.) and a Commander of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces (C.O.M.).
Governor General Designate Julie Payette’s 1st audience with the Queen at Balmoral Castle. “Very nice to see you,” they both said. #cbc pic.twitter.com/s0KFcflIx0
— Thomas Daigle (@thomasdaigle) September 20, 2017
