Questions and Answers in Brief



How do I invite the Lieutenant Governor to attend an event?
The Lieutenant Governor attends many special events, ceremonies and celebrations across the Province every year and her calendar is planned two to three months in advance. If you would like Her Honour to attend an event, invite her by writing a letter (addressed to the Lieutenant Governor). Please include the following:

  • background information on the event or organization
  • the date and time of the event (and whether these are flexible) and the venue
  • the number of people expected to participate
  • the role you would like the Lieutenant Governor to play, (e.g., speech, award presentation, etc.)
  • name and telephone number of a contact person

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of the Lieutenant Governor (902 424-7001).

The Protocol section provides information on hosting the Lieutenant Governor.



How does my organization request the Honourary Patronage of the Lieutenant Governor?

1. The organization must normally be one that is provincial in scope;
2. it should have been in existence for at least five (5) years;
3. it must have an active programme;
4. it must be solvent;
5. patronage must not be associated with any fund raising campaign.

Organizations which meet the above criteria are then asked to submit the following papers in support of their request:

6. a brief history of the organization;
7. information on their aim, achievements and future activities;
8. a brief financial statement; and
9. a list of all other patrons and members of the executive.

NOTE:
The Lieutenant Governor's patronage is NOT transferable to a new Lieutenant Governor.

Organizations must write to a new Lieutenant Governor with a renewed request for patronage.

Please contact the Nova Scotia protocol office for information about Patronage (902 424-4463).

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How do I arrange for Birthday or Anniversary greetings from the Lieutenant Governor?
Greeting requests can be submitted to the Nova Scotia Protocol office (902 424-4463). An online form is also available.

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How do I get a poster of The Queen, Prince Philip, or the Governor General?
Government of Canada Infoline: 1-800-622-6232.

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Can I tour Government House and the gardens?
Government House is currently under renovation. While physical tours are not available at this time, you can take an online tour in the photo gallery.

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Can I get married at Government House?
Although marriage ceremonies are not permitted on the grounds or inside Government House, you can take photographs in the garden. There is no fee for this and availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please note, Government House is currently under renovation and the grounds may not be available. Photos are not permitted on New Year's Day or during the annual Lieutenant Governor's Garden Party each June.

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How do I address a letter to the Lieutenant Governor?
Please review the Forms of Address section for appropriate wording.

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What is the difference between "Lieutenant Governor" and "Lieutenant Governor in Council"?
The Lieutenant Governor does not get involved in political activity. Her Honour's role is apolitical as she represents the Crown as Chief Executive Officer of the Province. You'll often see reference to the term "Lieutenant Governor in Council" on government documents such as acts of legislation. Legally, it refers to the Lieutenant Governor acting on and with the advice of the Executive Council or Cabinet. When the Cabinet makes a decision and the Lieutenant Governor approves it, it is said to have been made by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

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What is the Loyal Toast to the Queen and when is it used?
The Loyal Toast is proposed at official functions of the Province as the Toast to Her Majesty The Queen, Canada's Head of State. Organizers of dinners and luncheons are encouraged to arrange for the Loyal Toast to be made after the majority of the head table has completed the main course. The Loyal Toast is not to be given before the meal.

The procedure for the Loyal Toast is noted below:

Her Honour will propose the Loyal Toast by saying:

"Ladies and gentlemen (or other titles), will you please rise for the Loyal Toast to Her Majesty, The Queen of Canada."

All Stand.

Her Honour waits for silence and raises her glass and says:

"The Queen, la Reine"

This is the signal for everyone present to do likewise, raising their glass and repeating the phrase, "The Queen, la Reine".

Notes:

  1. On domestic occasions, the Loyal Toast is proposed after the main course and before dessert.
  2. On international occasions (visits of foreign ambassadors, ministers or delegations), the visiting guest of honour normally proposes the Toast to Her Majesty The Queen at the conclusion of his or remarks (in response to the Toast to the visitor's Head of State proposed by the provincial host).
  3. While on many occasions, it is no longer customary to play the Royal Anthem, if it is so desired, the correct order is:

    The Toast is proposed
    The Royal Anthem is played
    The Toast is drunk
  4. The Loyal Toast may be made with either wine or water.
  5. Guests should not clink glasses.

Note: If media are in attendance to witness speeches, it is preferable to have them and Toasts at the beginning of the dinner. The media can leave the room immediately thereafter without disturbing the guests during the meal.

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How long is a Lieutenant Governor's term of office?
Appointments to the role of Lieutenant Governor are commonly for a period of not less than five years. Incumbents remain in office until a replacement is found.

Like Her Honour, the Honourable Mayann E. Francis, those appointed are individuals who have served their country and/or province with distinction for many years. The appointment carries with it the title of "Her Honour" during her term of office and "The Honourable" for life.

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Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia
The Honourable Mayann E. Francis, O.N.S., DHumL