Honorary patronage

Definition

Another facet of the ceremonial role of the Lieutenant Governor is the awarding of vice-regal patronage to various Québec organizations. Honorary patronage, whether new or renewed, may be requested at any time during the term of office of the Lieutenant Governor and is granted at his discretion. All such honorary endorsements expire with the term of office of the Lieutenant Governor.

Honorary patronage, the distinctive support of the Lieutenant Governor for an organization seeking such endorsement, derives from the concept of the Crown as the source of the highest honours and awards granted in our society. In tangible terms, the honorary patronage of a sitting Lieutenant Governor may consist of written messages, speeches or appearances. However, he may never be designated the spokesperson of an organization. The support extended to an organization by the  Lieutenant Governor is also governed by the Instructions adopted by the Department of Canadian Heritage for Lieutenant Governors across Canada.

Organizations that request patronage must be apolitical and be dedicated to the betterment of society. Applications must be made by letter to the Lieutenant Governor.

Patronage application

Patronage organizations

• Fondation communautaire du grand Québec
• Fondation des maladies du cœur du Québec
• Fonds du Souvenir – Filiale du Québec
• Association des scouts du Canada
• Conseil québécois du Chardon
• The Duke of Edinburgh Award