Commander-in-Chief of Canada
The Governor General of Canada is also Commander-in-Chief of Canada.
As such, the Governor General plays a significant role in encouraging excellence and recognizing the important role of Canada’s
military at home and abroad.
Among these responsibilities, the Governor General:
- Appoints the Chief of the Defence Staff on the recommendation of the Prime Minister;
- Acts on recommendations from the Minister of National Defence regarding
the appointment of Royal Colonels-in-Chief of Canadian Regiments;
- Approves new military badges and insignia;
- Visits Canadian Forces personnel, at home and abroad;
- Presents new colours to the Canadian Forces;
- Awards military Honours, such as the Order of Military Merit; Meritorious Service and Military Valour Decorations;
Peacekeeping and Special Service Medals;
- Signs Commission Scrolls, etc.
Upon appointment, the Commander-in-Chief receives the Canadian Forces decoration and becomes:
