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OTTAWA — Louise Arbour was installed Monday as Canada’s 31st Governor General. Here are some of the symbols that played a part in that ceremony.
The Great Seal of Canada
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.
Just prior to the ceremony on Monday, the final act of outgoing governor general Mary Simon was to formally commission the new great seal, which was then used in the ceremony itself.
The three oaths of office
Arbour took three oaths during the installation ceremony: 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.
The oaths were signed by Arbour, the chief justice, Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Clerk of the Privy Council Michael Sabia.
The Royal Anthem
A 21-gun salute was fired from Parliament Hill as Arbour ascended the throne in the Senate chamber. At the same time, the Canadian Armed Forces Central Band played 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.
The governor general’s flag
As Arbour ascended the throne, the Governor General’s flag was 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.
The flag was lowered from the Peace Tower after the ceremony ended.
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.
During the ceremony, the four collars were displayed in individual decorative cases on the central table and were presented to Arbour one by one. She accepted them but did not put them on during the installation event.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 8, 2026.
Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press
