Role and Responsibilities of the
Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia

Constitutional Role
Canada is governed by a constitutional monarchy that includes a Head of Government and a Head of State. The Head of Government at the federal level is the prime minister of Canada and the premier at the provincial level. The Head of State is Queen Elizabeth II, Sovereign of Canada. The Monarch's or Crown's representative at the federal level is the Governor General.

The Governor General, on the advice of the prime minister, appoints a Lieutenant Governor to be the Crown's representative in each province. The Lieutenant Governor is the highest-ranking official in the province they serve.

In the early years of Confederation, Lieutenant Governors acted as agents of the Federal Government, in an advisory role, to ensure Provincial and Federal legislation was consistent. Gradually, however, the authority of our Provincial Governments has increased. Today, the Lieutenant Governor has the primary responsibility to act as the Crown's representative and Chief Executive Officer of the Province.

It is the responsibility of the Lieutenant Governor to assist in the smooth functioning of the Constitution, ensuring the democratic will of Nova Scotians and their elected representatives is upheld. This also includes ensuring the unwritten constitutional conventions of responsible government are respected. Although the Lieutenant Governor acts on the advice of elected officials, she may exercise the right to be consulted, to provide encouragement to Executive Government or to warn them if public interest is not being upheld.

It's vital that Nova Scotia always has a Premier and one of the Lieutenant Governor's most important responsibilities is to ensure this is case. If the Office of the Premier becomes vacant for any reason, it is the duty of the Lieutenant Governor to ensure the post is filled.

The Lieutenant Governor is also an integral part of both the Legislature and the Executive Government of Nova Scotia as she is the one who summons, prorogues (discontinues) and dissolves the Legislature. At the opening of each session of Legislature, the Lieutenant Governor reads the Speech from the Throne and acting on the advice of the Premier, appoints and swears-in members of Cabinet (Executive Council). She is then guided by their advice. However, if confidence in Cabinet is not retained by the Legislative Assembly, the Lieutenant Governor will act in the best interest of Nova Scotians.

The office of the Lieutenant Governor is the source of the government's power. Every measure and bill passed in the Nova Scotia Legislature must be given Royal Assent, in the Monarch's name, before it can become law. The Lieutenant Governor holds the right, however, to assert Royal Prerogative over a measure or bill if she deems it not in the public's best interest. She can even dismiss a government if they are not acting in the best interest of the public. This rarely happens anywhere in Canada but is the best safeguard we have to protect and uphold our constitution and democracy.

Throughout her term of office, the Lieutenant Governor will sign Orders-in-Council, Proclamations, and many other official documents giving them the force of law with her signature. She will also appoint government posts, including Deputy Ministers, provincial judges, members of boards, agencies and commissions and crown attorneys.

The Lieutenant Governor's role is apolitical as she represents the Crown as Chief Executive Officer of the Province. Reference to the term "Lieutenant Governor in Council" on government documents, such as acts of legislation, refers to the Lieutenant Governor acting on and with the advice of the Executive Council or Cabinet.

Since the Offices of the Monarch, Governor General, and Lieutenant Governor are fixed in the Canadian Constitution, no changes can be made to the Offices without the unanimous approval of all Provincial Legislative Assemblies, the Senate and the House of Commons in Ottawa.

Community Role
As the Crown's representative in Nova Scotia, the Lieutenant Governor receives requests to attend many functions and she maintains a very active schedule that includes extensive travel throughout the Province. Her Honour attends numerous dinners, cultural events, military and civilian ceremonies. She opens buildings and conferences, addresses various gatherings, attends a wide variety of community, educational and arts events and visits schools and military establishments.

It is the Lieutenant Governor's privilege to host Members of the Royal Family, visiting Heads of State, and other official visitors to the Province. Her Honour also extends hospitality to people from Nova Scotia, across Canada and abroad, at numerous functions including dinners, luncheons, receptions, the annual New Year's Day Leve, and the annual Garden Party held every June on the lawn at Government House.

The Lieutenant Governor is also honourary patron to a number of local organizations that enrich the lives of Nova Scotians. And each year, Her Honour presents awards for bravery, for outstanding public service, and for achievement. The Lieutenant Government also extends birthday and anniversary greetings to Nova Scotians who have reached significant milestones.

An essential part of Canada's heritage, the Canadian Crown is a focus of national pride and Her Honour's role in our community is paramount in establishing a connection between our ideals and the vitality of our traditions. As representative of the Crown in Nova Scotia, the Lieutenant Governor personifies and guards these ideals and traditions.

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.

Patronage/Membership Listing
The Lieutenant Governor Mayann E. Francis, O.N.S extends patronage to these provincial or local not-for-profit organizations that promote good works.

Information on requesting Honourary Patronage is available in the Questions and Answers section.