Role
Lieutenant Governor
The Lieutenant Governor is the representative of Her Majesty The Queen of Canada in the Province of British Columbia and, as such, takes precedence over everyone in the province except the Sovereign. The Lieutenant Governor personifies the Crown, which is both the apex and the unifying link in the constitutional and political structure of the province — executive, legislative, and judicial. All legislation must receive Royal Assent before it becomes law and must be signed by the Lieutenant Governor. All Orders-In-Council and official proclamations are also signed by the Lieutenant Governor in the name of The Queen.
The Lieutenant Governor is also responsible for ensuring there is a First Minister in the province at all times. At any time, when the position of First Minister is vacant because of death or resignation, after defeat in a provincial election or the result of a non-confidence motion in the Legislature, the Lieutenant Governor must either dissolve the House or call upon someone else to become First Minister and try to form a viable government.
The Lieutenant Governor attends a variety of events across the province including military and civilian ceremonies, award presentations, and cultural events. On occasion, the Lieutenant Governor is invited to lend patronage to organizations, particularly those of a charitable nature. Patronage is not granted as a matter of routine.
Chatelaine
The spouse of the Lieutenant Governor is titled Chatelaine, meaning “mistress of a large house.” She is addressed as “Your Honour.” She has no official status independent of the Lieutenant Governor, but is involved in some events and is treated with the same courtesies, respect and consideration as the Lieutenant Governor.
The Chatelaine may represent the Office of the Lieutenant Governor by acting as Honorary Patron to community and charitable organizations.
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