Fifty years ago, the appointment of Vincent Massey marked the first time a Canadian became Governor General of Canada - and now Canada Post is issuing a single domestic rate stamp to celebrate this event and to honour those who succeeded him.

"To Represent the Crown"
When the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson was sworn in as Canada's 26th Governor General, she not only became the 9th Canadian to take office, but she also continued a tradition that began when Samuel de Champlain became Governor of New France. The post of Governor General has survived the French regime, British colonial rule, and Canada's Confederation to become the nation's oldest public office. As a representative of the Monarch, the Governor General is responsible for carrying out the duties of the Head of State for Canada.

The First Steps
The very first Governors General were members of the British aristocracy representing both the Crown and the British Government. In 1947, with the implementation of the Canadian Citizenship Act, Canadians were no longer British subjects. A royal decree issued later that year ensured that the Governor General was given all the powers of the sovereign in respect to Canada.

A First for Canada
First approached to become Governor General in 1950, Vincent Massey eventually took office in February 1952. A personal friend of King George VI, Massey had already proved himself in the academic, business, and government worlds, and now embarked on a new venture.

The First Fifty Years
In the past fifty years, the Governor General's office has continued to keep pace with the changes that have allowed Canada to evolve into a totally independent state, with its unique cultures and customs. From Vincent Massey all the way to Adrienne Clarkson, each of the nine Canadians that has served as Governor General has made his or her own contribution to the country.