By Canadian Press

A list of Canada’s modern day governors general

Jul 13, 2017 | 10:15 AM

OTTAWA — Here is a list of Canadian-born governors general:

2010-2017: David Johnston. Academic and university president from Ontario. Term extended ahead of the 2015 federal election in the event there was a minority government. Launched effort to modernize Order of Canada program by expanding scope.

2005-2010: Michaelle Jean. Journalist. Born in Haiti, immigrated to Canada in 1968. Prevented a no-confidence vote in the government in 2008 by agreeing to prorogue Parliament.

1999-2005: Adrienne Clarkson. Journalist, born in Hong Kong and arrived in Canada in 1942.  Took several trips to visit Canadian soldiers overseas in her capacity as commander-in-chief of the military, and also travelled widely to promote the North.

1995-1999: Romeo LeBlanc. Teacher, journalist and politician from New Brunswick. Issued a royal proclamation inaugurating National Aboriginal Day as an annual observance. Son Dominic is a current Liberal cabinet minister.

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1990-1995: Ramon John Hnatyshyn. Politician from Saskatchewan. Re-opened the governor general’s residence, Rideau Hall, to the public. Established the Governor General’s performing arts award.

1984-1990: Jeanne Sauve. Journalist and politician from Quebec. First woman to hold the post, focused on issues around youth and world peace. Among the honours in her name is the Jeanne Sauve trophy for the World Cup Championship in women’s field hockey. Closed Rideau Hall’s grounds to the public. 

1979-1984: Edward Schreyer. Politician and professor from Manitoba. Established an award to commemorate the Persons case, which saw women constitutionally recognized as persons.

1974-1979: Jules Leger. Lawyer, diplomat and professor from Quebec. Suffered a stroke while in office and was aided in his official duties by his wife Gabrielle Carmel. Among their priorities was fostering excellence in cultural affairs, several awards bear their names.  

1967-1974: Roland Michener. Lawyer and diplomat from Alberta. Presided over the first presentations of the Order of Canada, and also introduced the Order of Military Merit and Decorations for Bravery, as well as the Michener Awards for journalism.

1959-1967: Gen. Georges Philias Vanier. Founding member of the French-Canadian 22nd Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, precursor to the Van Doos and went on to become a diplomat. Establied the Vanier Cup for intercollegiate football, and the Vanier medal to recongize public service. Laid the foundation for the Order of Canada. He died in office.

1952-1959: Vincent Massey. Businessman, philanthropist and diplomat from Ontario, first Canadian citizen to hold the post.   

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