Messages from the Governor General
and Her Majesty The Queen
Each year, the Governor General of Canada sends thousands of messages to people, businesses and organizations. The messages
fall into the following three categories:
- Messages for Wedding Anniversaries (50 years and higher) and Birthdays (90 years and higher);
- Special Milestone Messages; and
- Special Events Messages.
How do I request a message?
You can use one of our forms to request a message
- Wedding Anniversary and Birthday Message request form; or
- Special Message Request Form
How far in advance do I need to send my request?
Please notify us six to eight weeks before the celebrations to ensure you receive the message on time.
Wedding Anniversary Messages and Birthday Messages
Are your parents celebrating their golden wedding anniversary this year? Are you planning a party for your grandmother
on her 90th birthday? If so, you might want to request a congratulatory message from the Governor General. Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth II sends messages to Canadians who are 100 years of age or older and couples who have been married for 60 years
or more. These are also issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General.
Wedding Anniversary Messages
Eligibility: Canadian couples
|
Message from the GG
- 50th (minimum)
- Interval: 5 years*
|
Message from The Queen
- 60th (minimum)
- Interval: 5 years* |
Birthday Messages
Eligibility: Canadians
|
Message from the GG:
- 90th (minimum)
- Interval: 5 years* |
Message from The Queen:
- 100th
- and every year thereafter. |
*Subsequent messages may then be requested once every five years after the first message has been provided.
Special Messages
Every day, across our country, Canadians celebrate special milestones in their communities, in small towns and big cities
alike. The Governor General sends messages of support to organizations hosting a major national or international conference
in Canada or to organizations hosting an annual national event such as a cultural festival, a debating tournament or a sporting
championship. Messages of support may also be sent to an organization hosting a special high-profile event such as a premiere
of a national or international cultural, sporting or scientific event.
Typical Milestone Messages
| Persons |
Organizations |
RELIGIOUS INDIVIDUALS
Priests, nuns, ministers, mullas, mujtahids, rabbis, gurus
Minimum: 25 yers
Interval: 5 years
|
RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS Congregations / Parishes
Minimum: 100 years
Interval: 25 years
|
FAMILY
Family settling in Canada
Minimum: 100 years
Interval: 5 years
|
COMMERCIAL ORGANIZATIONS
For profit organizations, such as private industry, companies, small businesses, unions etc.
No messages for business start-ups.
Minimum: 75 years
Interval: 25 years
|
FAMILY REUNIONS
Annual family reunions
Interval: 5 years
|
NATIONAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
(or their local chapters)
Legions, Knights of Columbus, Optimist Club, Salvation Army, or other community-based service organizations (e.g.
meals on wheels, shelters.)
Minimum: 25 years
Interval: 25 years |
VOLUNTEERS
Of various service organizations, charitable groups, etc.
Minimum: 25 years
Interval: 5 years
|
COMMUNITY GROUPS
Not-for-profit groups such as amateur theatres, minor league sports, performance groups, musical groups, choirs,
etc.
Minimum: 25 years
Interval: 25 years |
RETIREMENT
Minimum 40 years, at the request of the employer.
Retirement messages are not given to:
- military
- police
- firefighters
- public servants
as all these are recognized through other honours systems. |
COMMUNITY MILESTONES
School, hospital, municipalities or municipal sites
Minimum: 75 years
Interval: 25 years
|
Writing to The Canadian Royal Family
If you wish to write to the Canadian Royal Family, you may address your correspondence to
Editorial Services
Policy, Program And Protocol Branch
1 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A1
Correspondence will be forwarded to Buckingham Palace.
