Ceremonial role

As the Head of State, the Lieutenant Governor is the highest ranking officer in Québec in terms of protocol and takes precedence over all members of the Royal Family, with the exception of Her Majesty, whom he represents.

BAnQ,  Fonds Michel Lessard

The Honorable Narcisse Pérodeau delivers the Throne Speech at the Opening of the Parliamentary session, on January  7, 1925.

The ceremonial role of the Lieutenant Governor therefore includes delivering the Opening Speech at the opening of a new session of parliament and hosting a sovereign, a member of the Royal Family, or a head of state during their official visits to Québec.

The presence of the Lieutenant Governor is often requested for official, public or various other events. In their ceremonial capacity, Lieutenant Governors may be guests of honour of groups or organizations or preside at events. They may also accompany a Canadian delegation in its travels abroad.

For information about the rules of protocol governing the ceremonial role of Lieutenant Governors, visit the Web site of the Department of Canadian Heritage.