Installation ceremony

The installation ceremony of a new Governor General is a historic moment reflecting our constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy.

The installation ceremony of the 30th Governor General of Canada

Ms. Mary Simon’s installation ceremony as the 30th Governor General of Canada took place on July 26, 2021. The announcement of the appointment of Ms. Simon was made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on July 6, 2021.

The ceremony included a limited number of participants and respected the COVID-19 protocols imposed by local public health authorities at the time.

Information about the ceremony

July 26, 2021, at 11:00 am (ET)
Senate of Canada Building
Ottawa ON

Watch the ceremony and visit to the National War Memorial live from Ottawa

Photo gallery

Program

The ceremony included a swearing-in, the presentation of Canadian honours and the Great Seal of Canada, and an address to Canadians by the new Governor General. It highlighted themes important to the Governor General, including reconciliation and youth. The installation featured performances by a number of artists that reflect Canadian diversity and linguistic duality. It also included Indigenous ceremonial and artistic elements.

Following the ceremony, Ms. Simon visited the National War Memorial, where she inspected a Guard of Honour and lay flowers in honour of Canada’s fallen, her first official act as Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.

Read the installation ceremony program

Recital by the Dominion Carillonneur

The ceremony was preceded by a recital by the Dominion Carillonneur on the occasion of Ms. Simon’s installation, live from the Peace Tower, in Ottawa.

Poem by the Parliamentary Poet Laureate

Louise Bernice Halfe – Sky Dancer, Parliamentary Poet Laureate, composed the poem “Mary Simon / Ningiukudluk” in honour of Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General. The poem is also available in Cree.