Governor General

2002 – 50 years of Canadian Governors General

In 2002 Canadians celebrated the 50^th anniversary of the Right Honourable Vincent Massey as the first Canadian appointed as Governor General in 1952. Throughout 2002 celebrations marked this important milestone in Canada’s development as an independent country and ensured that the role and responsibilities of the Governor General would now be interpreted and executed with a unique Canadian approach.

The 50^th anniversary of Governor General Massey’s appointment was a chance for all Canadians to take stock of Canada’s progress as a country and the development of our unique culture and identity.

This anniversary was celebrated in all regions of Canada, by Canadians of all walks of life with many special events:

• The 50^th Anniversary Concert, June 16, 2002
• The Launch of the 50 th Anniversary Photo Exhibit, April 29, 2002
• The Governor General’s Youth Forum, February 14 - 16, 2002
• The Unveiling of the 50^th Anniversary Stamp, February 12, 2002
• The Governor General - the evolution of Canada's oldest public institution