Roland Michener; Former Governor General of Canada

Roland Michener, 91, Canada’s governor general during its centennial year in 1967. Michener, a Rhodes scholar who became a lawyer, lawmaker, ambassador to Nepal, Speaker of the House of Commons and high commissioner to India, was appointed the queen’s representative in Canada in April, 1967. He served until 1974. As governor general--a largely ceremonial post--Michener was Canada’s primary host in 1967 to more than 50 royal visitors and heads of state. Michener democratized the office, eliminating the traditional curtsies and bows at formal receptions. As the queen’s representative in Canada, the governor general signs all legislation before it becomes law. The governor general is technically appointed by the monarch for a five-year term but by tradition serves in keeping with the wishes of the elected prime minister. In Toronto on Tuesday.