Lieutenant Governor

The post of Lieutenant Governor was established by the British North America Act in March 1867. This Act united the provinces under a central government, with each province retaining its own legislature to preside over matters not under federal jurisdiction. In British Columbia, the Office of Lieutenant Governor came into existence when the Crown Colony joined the Dominion of Canada in 1871.

The Lieutenant Governor is appointed by the Governor General acting by and with the advice of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada. This is referred to as the “Governor General-in-Council.” In general, the term of this appointment is for a period of not less than five years.

Since the Statute of Westminster of 1931, Canada has been a fully sovereign state; however, Canada has chosen to remain a member of the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 54 independent states, representing approximately 30 per cent of the world’s population. Her Majesty The Queen is Head of the Commonwealth.

Under section 9 of the Constitution Act 1867, Her Majesty is Canadian Head of State and thus, The Queen of Canada.

For more detailed information visit these related sites: