POLB50Y3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Letters Patent
Document Summary
Governor general is a national symbol- link to the monarchy and canadian parliament, the head of state in canada. Appointment governor general is appointed by the queen on the advice of the prime minister. Sources of power: ca 1867, letter patent 1947 transfers powers of queen to the governor general , prerogative( reserve) powers. Prorogation ends a parliamentary session , ends business/kills bills. Dissolution end a parliament ( new elections) , Head of state ( symbolic embodiment of country , commander in chief of armed forces. Ceremonial functions very important , diplomatic protocol is very important internationally to other world leaders e. g. Meets foreign dignitaries , hands out awards and honours , e. g - Delivers speech from throne before every new parliamentary session , reads the agenda of the cabinet in power . Swearing in ceremonies ( pm , cabinet , chief justice of supreme court. Royal assent ( signing bills that then become law )