October 17th, 2025
For over a century, the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires has stood as a trusted, national institution dedicated to service and security. Among its most significant relationships has been its connection with the Governor General and Commander-in-chief of Canada. In fact, the very origins of the Corps can be traced back to a recommendation from one of Canada’s Viceregal representatives.
In 1915, Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught and Canada’s 10th Governor General, contacted the Military Hospitals Commission and suggested the creation of an organization similar to the Corps of Commissionaires in Great Britain. He believed veterans deserved meaningful work that made use of the skills and discipline gained through military service. Ten years later, in 1925, that vision became reality with the founding of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires.
Although informal ties already existed, exemplified by Viscount Willingdon’s inspection of the British Columbia Corps in Vancouver in 1930, the Corps’ official relationship with the Governor General was formalized in 1937. That year, John Buchan, Lord Tweedsmuir, Canada’s 15th Governor General, became its first Viceregal Patron. A First World War veteran and renowned writer of more than one hundred books, best known for his classic novel The Thirty-Nine Steps, Lord Tweedsmuir brought both prominence and respect to Commissionaires. Since then, every successive Governor General has carried on the tradition of serving as Viceregal Patron.
Over the last 100 years, the Governor General has remained closely engaged with the Corps, attending and hosting many notable occasions. Memorable moments include Viscount Alexander’s 1948 review of the guard in Victoria and the Right Honourable Edward Schreyer’s hosting of Commissionaires’ leadership in 1982. More recently in the Corps’ history, in 2010, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean met with members of Commissionaires Ottawa Division to express gratitude for their service.
This strong and proud tradition carries forward in 2025. Just recently, in June, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon attended the Corps’ Centennial Gala to help Commissionaires mark a century of service. Her presence honoured the Corps’ history and affirmed its role as a strong Canadian institution. In her speech, she spoke about its professionalism and contributions over the past century.
“The Canadian Corps of Commissionaires is more than an organization. More than an employer. It’s an idea. The idea that your actions, your service, your love of Canada goes on.” – Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Mary Simon, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., O.Q., C.D.
While the Governor General serves as Viceregal Patron nationally, Lieutenant Governors do so at the divisional level. Many of the Corps’ 15 Divisions maintain formal ties with their respective Lieutenant Governors, who often attend or host Corps functions.
The Viceregal tradition is more than symbolic. It reflects respect for the professionalism and commitment of Commissionaires, while also drawing public attention to its mandate of employing veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP, and their families.
As the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires celebrates its Centennial, it continues to grow and take on new responsibilities. From Lord Tweedsmuir in 1937 to Governor General Mary Simon in 2025, Viceregal Patronage has been, and remains, an important part of Commissionaires’ identity.