The Governor General, part III
The Governor General part 3: this is the part when they stop being British Aristos and become simply Canadian Citizens chosen by the Prime Minister (well, by the Queen, technically, but, hey!). Oh and they start having the "The Right Honourable" title too. What an honour, right on!
The Right Honourable Charles Vincent Massey (1952-59) Vincent Massey was born in Toronto, Ontario in 1887. He was the first Canadian appointed for the job of Governor General. He represented the Canadian Crown to Citizens and promoted Canadian unity and its identity which he praised (who wouldn't praise his own country, eh?). He thought that Canadians should learn both French and English. His promotion of arts and festivals led to the creation of the National Arts Centre and he created the Governor General's Awards for Architecture. It was his ambition to create a Canadian Honours system, which was not done during his term. He actually won a Companion of the Order of Canada honour in 1967. During his term he also created the Governor General's Gold Medal for the Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Massey Medal. His term saw the coronation of her majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada. Each Canadian born on that day got a silver spoon from Mr. Massey. (brings new meaning to the phrase "Born with a silver spoon in your mouth" eh?). After his term was extended twice, he finally left the post in 1959. He died while visiting England in 1967. He was given a State funeral.
The Right Honourable Georges Philias Vanier (1959-67) Georges Vanier was born in Montreal, Quebec in 1888. His appointment was another first: The first Governor General of French decent. He learned both French and English and was a strong supporter of bilingualism as well as unity. He was really religious and created the "Vanier Institute of the Family" after concern on the state of the family in Canada. The separate cause was starting to make noise in Quebec and General Vanier tried to improve relations between the Anglophone and Francophone. He started the Vanier Awards for Outstanding Young Canadians in 1967. He established the Vanier Cup for football champions of the CIAU and the Governor General's Fencing Award. Many great Politicians visited Rideau Hall during this time including US President John Kennedy and French President Charles de Gaulle. Georges Vanier died in office in 1967.
The Right Honourable Daniel Roland Michener (1967-74) Roland Michener was born in Lacombe, Alberta in 1900. As it was 1967 and Canada was 100 years old and Montreal was hosting Expo '67, many heads of state of the world visited Rideau Hall. On Canada Day, that year, the Order of Canada was created and in 1972 the Order of Military Merit and Decorations for Bravery were created. Mr. Michener himself was awarded an award, a british award: the Royal Victorian Chain. He encouraged physical exercise and created the Roland Michener Trophy. He also created the Michener Awards for Journalism in 1970. As of 1973, meetings with the provincial Lieutenant Governors began. He died at the age of 91 in 1991.
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