Celebrating 50 Years

Welcome to our celebration!

Her Excellency Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, invites all Canadians to join her in activities throughout 2002 to celebrate the historic installation in 1952 of Vincent Massey as the first Canadian Governor General. This appointment marked the end of British Governors General in Canada and was an important milestone in our development as an autonomous country.

The 50th Anniversary of Governor General Massey's appointment is a chance to take stock of Canada's progress as a country and the development of our unique culture and identity.

We are planning a variety of activities to celebrate this 50th Anniversary. Highlights include the unveiling of a commemorative stamp, a Winter Celebration at Rideau Hall on February 2, the Governor General's Youth Forum and an outdoor Concert on the grounds of Rideau Hall.

We have also put together a wide range of resources on Canadian Governors General. Trace the evolution of their role in Canada's development. Learn more from their biographies. Consult our list of reference material for sources of more information.