David Johnston, an ambassador's best friend, to stick around as Governor General

It seems Stephen Harper likes the Governor General, a man readily praised by diplomats in Ottawa, so much he’s keeping him around.

David Johnston will be Canada’s Governor General longer than the typical tenure. His term was set to wrap up in 2015, but on Tuesday Prime Minister Harper announced a two-year extension for the Queen’s representative in Canada.

Since 2010, Johnston has conducted the ceremonial duties of the Governor General with aplomb, impressing new ambassadors and high commissioners as he officially welcomes them to Canada.

Rideau Hall, the Governor General’s residence, is where new ambassadors present their letters of credence to the governor general — a ceremony that makes their posting as a head of mission in Canada official.

Johnston, they say, always has an anecdote or two to share with the new ambassadors from Belgium to Indonesia or Ecuador as he shakes their hands in those credential ceremonies. Diplomats in embassies and high commissions have nary a negative word to say about the Governor General and his wife Sharon Johnston.

One priority for many heads of mission when they come to Canada is to strengthen post-secondary education ties between their home and host country. Johnston’s time as the president of the University of Waterloo, from 1999 until his appointment as GG in 2010, and stints at Western and McGill universities have no doubt been a boon in the role.

Harper made his announcement in a press release Tuesday afternoon, noting Johnston’s extended term will cover much of Canada’s 150th anniversary of confederation.

“His Excellency David Johnston has been an exceptional Governor General and Commander-in-Chief, working tirelessly to advance the interests of Canadians and to promote a greater understanding of our great country, both at home and abroad,” the prime minister is quoted as saying.

“He has made remarkable contributions to Canada in his role as the Queen’s representative in Canada, performing his duties with dignity, wisdom and aplomb. I look forward to him continuing his fine work in this critical role.”

The press release also explains that the Governor General is appointed by the Queen on the advice of the prime minister, and that tenure is “at pleasure” and usually lasts five years, but can be extended for longer periods.

Johnston is Canada’s 28th Governor General. He’s a former president of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada and of the Conference des recteurs et des principaux des universites du Quebec, as well as the founding chairman of the National Round Table on the Environment, which no longer exists.

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