FAQ: Choosing a lieutenant-governor
Posted June 26, 2014 1:19 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Order of Canada recipient Elizabeth Dowdeswell of Toronto has been appointed the 29th lieutenant-governor of Ontario.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the announcement on Thursday afternoon.
Outgoing Lt.-Gov. David Onley was sworn in September 2007 and is the longest-serving lieutenant-governor in the past 68 years.
The lieutenant-governor represents Queen Elizabeth in Ontario. But how is a lieutenant-governor chosen, what’s involved in the process and what are the qualifications suited for the position? Below is an overview:
Who makes the appointment?
Lieutenant-governors are announced by the prime minister following consultations with the recently-established Advisory Committee on Vice-Regal Appointments. The prime minister initiates the process when a vacancy is imminent.
What is the committee’s role?
The non-partisan committee makes recommendations to the prime minister on the selection of the governor general, lieutenant-governors and territorial commissioners.
It is chaired by Kevin MacLeod, the Canadian secretary to the Queen, as well as two permanent members, Robert Watt and Dr. Jacques Monet, and two temporary members from the provincial appointment in question.
How are candidates selected?
The committee suggests candidates to the prime minister based on consultations with public office holders and other key stakeholders. The committee then presents a shortlist of proposed candidates to the prime minister.
What are some of the qualifications?
In an email, the prime minister’s office said “candidates for consideration are brought forward by various community leaders. An ideal candidate would be someone who represents the province and has demonstrated [a] record of accomplishment and community service.”
When does the appointee find out?
The incumbent lieutenant-governor learns of his or her appointment ahead of the official announcement. The premier is also notified.
What happens after appointee is announced?
The appointee is known as the lieutenant governor-designate. In this case, Dowdeswell does not partake in public engagements until being sworn in.
She is briefed by the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. He or she may have a meeting with the outgoing lieutenant-governor, previous ones, the premier and officials in the Ontario Office of International Relations and Protocol.
When is the incoming lieutenant-governor sworn in?
The swearing-in date is based on the schedule of the outgoing and incoming lieutenant-governor, and the premier. Until then, the outgoing lieutenant-governor represents the Crown, attends public functions and performs constitutional duties.
Who are some of the previous lieutenant-governors?
- David Onley (2007-present)
- James Bartleman (2002-2007)
- Hilary Weston (1997-2002)
- Henry Jackman (1991-1997)
- Lincoln Alexander (1985-1991)
Information compiled from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
