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role="banner"> <div id="header-inner-wrapper">  <div id="branding" class="branding-elements clearfix"> <div id="logo"> <a href="/en"><img class="site-logo" typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.gg.ca/sites/all/themes/osgg_full_width/images/viceregal-lion-01.png" alt="The Governor General of Canada" /></a> </div>  <div class="h-group" id="name-and-slogan"> <h1 id="site-name"><a href="/en" title="Home page">The Governor General of Canada</a></h1> <h2 id="site-slogan">Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon</h2> </div> </div>  <div class="region region-header"><div class="region-inner clearfix"><section id="block-locale-language" class="block block-locale odd first block-count-1 block-region-header block-language" role="complementary"><div class="block-inner clearfix"> <h2 class="block-title">Languages</h2> <div class="block-content content"><ul class="language-switcher-locale-url"><li class="en first active"><a href="/en/the-office" class="language-link active" 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</div></form> </section></div> </div> </div> <div class="main-body container-fluid"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-12">  <div class="region region-breadcrumbs"><div class="region-inner clearfix"><div id="block-easy-breadcrumb-easy-breadcrumb" class="block block-easy-breadcrumb breadcrumbs no-title odd first last block-count-5 block-region-breadcrumbs block-easy-breadcrumb" ><div class="block-inner clearfix"> <div class="block-content content"> <div itemscope class="easy-breadcrumb" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/Breadcrumb"> <span class='breadcrumbs-inner'> <span itemprop="title"><a href="/en" class="easy-breadcrumb_segment easy-breadcrumb_segment-front">Home</a></span> <span class="easy-breadcrumb_segment-separator">></span> <span class="easy-breadcrumb_segment easy-breadcrumb_segment-title" itemprop="title">About the Office</span> </div'> </div> </div> </div></div></div></div>   <div id="columns" class="columns clearfix"> <div class="region region-sidebar-first sidebar"><div class="region-inner clearfix"><nav id="block-menu-block-3" class="block block-menu-block no-title odd first last block-count-6 block-region-sidebar-first block-3" role="navigation"><div class="block-inner clearfix"> <div class="block-content content"><div class="menu-block-wrapper menu-block-3 menu-name-menu-the-office parent-mlid-0 menu-level-1"> <ul class="menu clearfix"><li class="first leaf active-trail active menu-mlid-1858 menu-depth-1 menu-item-1858"><a href="/en/the-office" class="active-trail active">About the Office</a></li><li class="leaf has-children menu-mlid-4006 menu-depth-1 menu-item-4006"><a href="/en/the-office/reports">Reports</a></li><li class="leaf menu-mlid-1958 menu-depth-1 menu-item-1958"><a href="/en/the-office/terms-and-conditions">Terms & Conditions</a></li><li class="last leaf menu-mlid-1959 menu-depth-1 menu-item-1959"><a href="/en/the-office/privacy">Privacy</a></li></ul></div> </div> </div></nav></div></div> <main id="content-column" class="content-column" role="main">  <header id="main-content-header" class="clearfix"> <h1 id="page-title"> About the Office </h1> </header> <div class="content-inner">  <section id="main-content">  <div id="content" class="region"> <div id="block-system-main" class="block block-system no-title odd first last block-count-7 block-region-content block-main" > <div about="/en/the-office" typeof="foaf:Document" role="article" class="ds-1col node node-page article odd node-lang-en node-full view-mode-full clearfix"> <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden view-mode-full"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><div class="gg-hero-watermark-wrapper"> <div class="gg-hero-watermark-image"><img alt="The Office" src="/sites/default/files/media/hero_images/top_the-office.jpg" /></div> </div> <h2>On this page</h2> <ul> <li><a href="#toc0">History</a></li> <li><a href="#toc1">Our work</a></li> <li><a href="#toc2">Our culture</a></li> <li><a href="#toc3">Our vision and mission</a></li> <li><a href="#toc4">Our values</a></li> <li><a href="#toc5">Our structure</a></li> <li><a href="#toc6">Our federal partners</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="toc0">History</h2> <p>The position of governor general is considered the oldest public office in Canada. It dates back to colonial times, when monarchs appointed governors to act as their intermediaries in State affairs. In 1608, Samuel de Champlain—a governor in all but name—fulfilled several duties and responsibilities that would later be carried out by the governors of New France and, after Confederation in 1867, by governors general of Canada.<br /> <br /> Over the years, the role and responsibilities of the governor general have changed and evolved under the French and British regimes and after Confederation. As the role of the governor general has changed, so, too, has our Office. Our actions are driven by the past, present and future of our country.</p> <p>Our Office has been helping Canada’s governors general to connect, honour and inspire Canadians for more than 150 years. Our mission is to support the governor general and serve Canadians. We are also honoured to be the storytellers of <a href="/en/visit-us/rideau-hall">Rideau Hall</a>, in Ottawa, and the <a href="/en/visit-us/citadelle">Citadelle</a>, in Québec, the official residences and workplaces of the governor general of Canada.</p> <h2 id="toc1">Our work</h2> <p>The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General (OSGG) supports the Governor General in fulfilling his/her constitutional, State and ceremonial responsibilities.</p> <p>We are also responsible for planning and implementing the Governor General’s program and the many activities he/she undertakes with, and on behalf of, Canadians in communities across the country and abroad, as well as with the Canadian Forces as Commander-in-Chief. These activities serve to recognize outstanding achievement and the pursuit of excellence by Canadians, and to foster national identity, unity and pride. They also promote Canadian values such as respect for diversity, community participation and public education.</p> <p>To help Canadians understand the roles and responsibilities of the Governor General and how he/she fulfills them, the Office offers both a public information program and extensive visitor and interpretation programs at the Governor General’s historic official residences at Rideau Hall in Ottawa and at La Citadelle in Quebec City. Together, close to 335,000 people visit these sites each year. <br /> <br /> Through the Chancellery of Honours, we administer all aspects of the Canadian Honours System, including the Order of Canada, the Decorations for Bravery, the Meritorious Service Decorations, Military Valour Decorations, the Polar Medal and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. The Chancellery is also home to the Canadian Heraldic Authority, which is headed by the Governor General, and which creates and records armorial bearings in Canada.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/planned-government-spending/government-expenditure-plan-main-estimates.html" target="_blank">Operating Budget</a> of the OSGG is approved by Parliament and the OSGG is therefore accountable to Parliament for its expenditures. These expenditures are made public through the <a href="https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/recgen/cpc-pac/index-eng.html" target="_top">Public Accounts</a> process at the end of every year. </p> <h2 id="toc2">Our culture</h2> <p>We are proud of the work we do and strive for excellence. Our culture is deeply rooted in a long-standing tradition of service. We welcome members of the Royal family, heads of State, dignitaries and Canadians from all walks of life, all under the same roof. We work closely with the various levels of government, not-for-profit organizations and communities across the country to connect with Canadians and fulfill our mission. This collaboration enriches our work and gives our employees an even greater sense of purpose and accomplishment.</p> <h2 id="toc3">Our vision and mission</h2> <p>Our Office is responsible for supporting the governor general in fulfilling the constitutional, State, ceremonial and other responsibilities of the position.<br /> <br /> Our <strong>vision</strong> is to connect, honour and inspire Canadians. </p> <p>Our <strong>mission</strong> is to support the governor general as The King’s representative in Canada and to serve Canadians.<br /> <br /> We are responsible for planning and implementing the governor general’s programs and the many activities undertaken across Canada and abroad.</p> <p>Our activities focus on:</p> <ul> <li>Showcasing Canada on the world stage</li> <li>Recognizing outstanding achievement by Canadians</li> <li>Encouraging the pursuit of excellence</li> <li>Supporting the governor general as the commander-in-chief of Canada</li> <li>Fostering national identity, unity and pride in Canadian values.</li> </ul> <h2 id="toc4">Our values</h2> <p>Our employees work together to support the governor general and to serve Canadians with integrity, honour and dedication, in a politically neutral manner. Our Office fosters mutual collaboration, trust and respect by promoting a safe and healthy work environment, where employees are valued for their diversity and expertise.</p> <p>The core values that guide and motivate our attitudes and actions are:</p> <ol> <li>Pride and honour in service</li> <li>Proficiency in duty</li> <li>Respect and trust</li> <li>Political neutrality and integrity</li> <li>Collaboration and teamwork</li> </ol> <h2 id="toc5">Our structure</h2> <p>Our Office is headed by a <u><a href="/en/the-office/secretary-governor-general-and-herald-chancellor">secretary</a></u>, who serves both as senior advisor to the governor general and as Herald Chancellor of the <a href="/en/heraldry/canadian-heraldic-authority">Canadian Heraldic Authority</a>, and is supported by an assistant secretary, who provides senior leadership and direction to both programs and internal services. </p> <p>Our operations teams are divided into distinct branches, divisions and directorates:</p> <p>Our <strong>Events, Visitor Services and Programs Branch</strong> is responsible for the governor general’s programs in Canada and abroad. It supports the governor general in connecting with Canadians through public events and visits. Through its <a href="/en/visit-us">visitor and interpretation programs</a>, the Branch also shares the history of our institution with the more than 300 000 Canadians and international visitors who come annually to Rideau Hall, in Ottawa, and the Citadelle, in Québec.</p> <p>Our <strong>Official Residences Branch</strong> oversees the provision of hospitality and household services. It is responsible for the OSGG’s security and accommodations portfolio, ensuring that both Rideau Hall and the Citadelle are safe, and well-maintained and serviced environments. This branch also ensures that transportation services are provided for the governor general, and their spouse; the secretary and assistant secretary; and other OSGG staff, as required. Finally, this branch supports the governor general in their role as <a href="/en/governor-general/role-and-responsibilities/commander-chief">commander-in-chief of Canada</a>, through the military assistant and aides-de-camp.</p> <p>Our <strong>Chancellery of Honours</strong> recognizes and honours Canadians with medals, awards and decorations. It brings to light the stories of our successes and the unsung heroes in our communities. It administers all aspects of the <a href="/en/honours/canadian-honours">Canadian Honours System</a> and several <a href="/en/honours/governor-generals-awards">Governor General’s Awards</a>. The Chancellery is also home to the <a href="https://osgg-webstage.gg.ca/en/heraldry/canadian-heraldic-authority">Canadian Heraldic Authority</a>, which is headed by the governor general, and which creates and records armorial bearings in Canada.</p> <p>Our <strong>Human Resources Directorate </strong>oversees the people who work for the governor general. The Directorate fosters a healthy, respectful and inclusive environment where employees are empowered to bring their true selves to work, while also providing strategic advice, strategies and solutions to management.</p> <p>Our <strong>Communications & Public Affairs Branch</strong> amplifies and communicates the work of the governor general at home and abroad, and provides strategic communications advice and services.</p> <p>Our <strong>Information Management & Information Technology Division</strong> assures the smooth operation of our physical and electronic communications and records. The team assures the security and effectiveness of all our technological tools, maintains physical records for each governor general’s mandate (dating back to 1867), and supports modern electronic records management.</p> <p>Our <strong>Finance</strong> Division, including Materiel Management and Procurement, provides financial direction, advice and oversight, assuring the responsible use of public funds for procurement.<br /> <br /> <a href="/en/the-office/secretary-governor-general-and-herald-chancellor">Secretary to the Governor General and Herald Chancellor – Ken MacKillop</a></p> <p><a href="/en/the-office/assistant-secretary-governor-general">Assistant Secretary to the Governor General </a><a href="https://osgg-webstage.gg.ca/en/the-office/director-general-official-residence-operations-chief-security-officer">–</a> <a href="/en/the-office/assistant-secretary-governor-general">Maia Welbourne</a></p> <p><a href="https://osgg-webstage.gg.ca/en/the-office/director-general-official-residence-operations-chief-security-officer">Director General, Official Residences & Chief Security Officer – Christine MacIntyre</a></p> <p><a href="/en/the-office/deputy-secretary-honours">Deputy Secretary of Honours </a><a href="https://osgg-webstage.gg.ca/en/the-office/director-general-official-residence-operations-chief-security-officer">–</a><a href="/en/the-office/deputy-secretary-honours"> Brigadier-General Marc Thériault <em>(Ret'd)</em></a></p> <p><a href="/en/the-office/executive-director-communications-public-affairs-farah-boisclair">Executive Director, Communications & Public Affairs – Farah Boisclair</a></p> <p><a href="/en/the-office/executive-director-events-visitor-services-programs">Executive Director, Events, Visitor Services & Programs </a><a href="https://osgg-webstage.gg.ca/en/the-office/director-general-official-residence-operations-chief-security-officer">–</a><a href="/en/the-office/executive-director-events-visitor-services-programs"> Ryan McAdam</a></p> <p><a href="/en/the-office/head-human-resources-charlotte-scott">Acting Head of Human Resources – Charlotte Scott</a></p> <h2 id="toc6">Our federal partners</h2> <p>In addition to the support provided by our Office, six federal government departments and agencies are also mandated to support the activities of the governor general.</p> <ul> <li style="padding-top:15px;">The <a href="http://www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places-to-visit/official-residences" target="_blank">National Capital Commission</a> is responsible for preservation, maintenance and capital construction projects for all of the official residences located in Canada’s Capital region, including Rideau Hall.</li> <li style="padding-top:15px;">The <a href="http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en" target="_blank">Royal Canadian Mounted Police</a> provides support in matters related to the security and personal protection services for the governor general, domestically and abroad.</li> <li style="padding-top:15px;"><a href="http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/index.page" target="_blank">National Defence</a> provides logistical support to and transportation for the governor general in an official capacity.</li> <li style="padding-top:15px;"><a href="http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/comm/index-eng.html" target="_blank">Public Services and Procurement Canada</a> provides our Office with support for the Citadelle of Québec and accommodation for the Chancellery of Honours, as well as such services as those of the receiver general.</li> <li style="padding-top:15px;"><a href="http://www.international.gc.ca/gac-amc/index.aspx?lang=eng" target="_blank">Global Affairs Canada</a> advises the governor general on all matters related to foreign policy and funds activities related to incoming State visits, as well as the governor general’s international program and activities undertaken at the request of the prime minister.</li> <li style="padding-top:15px;"><a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage.html" target="_blank">Canadian Heritage</a> is the lead department for activities including Royal tours, State funerals, national memorial services and special anniversary celebrations in which the governor general is involved.</li> </ul> </div></div></div></div> </div> </div>  </section>  </div> </main>  </div> </div>  </div> </div>  <footer id="footer" class="clearfix" role="contentinfo"> <div class="region region-footer"><div class="region-inner clearfix"><div id="block-panels-mini-footer-full-width" class="block block-panels-mini no-title odd first last block-count-8 block-region-footer block-footer-full-width" > <div class="block-content content"><div class="panel-osgg-footer clearfix panel-display" id="mini-panel-footer_full_width"> <div class="osgg-footer-top panel-panel"> <div class="inside"><div class="panel-pane pane-custom pane-1 no-title block"> <div class="block-inner clearfix"> <div 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