The Governor-General is The Queen's representative in Canada. As such, he or she performs the same constitutional role in Canada as The Queen does in the United Kingdom.

The Queen maintains direct contact with the Governor-General, although she delegates executive power to the Governor-General in virtually every respect.

Since 1 October 2010 The Queen has been represented by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston.

The Governor-General's role is built on four major themes: representing the Crown in Canada; representing Canadians abroad and promoting their sovereignty; celebrating excellence and bringing Canadians together.

As the representative of The Queen in Canada, the Governor-General summons, opens and ends sessions of Parliament, reads the Speech from the Throne, gives Royal Assent to bills passed by the House of Commons and the Senate, signs State documents, and dissolves Parliament for an election. The Governor-General also presides over the swearing-in of the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of Canada and cabinet ministers.

At the request of the Canadian Prime Minister, the Governor-General travels to foreign countries building bridges of friendship and understanding. At home, the Governor-General welcomes world leaders and receives the credentials of high commissioners and ambassadors who represent their countries in Canada.