Georges-Philias Vanier

Credit: Library and Canada, accession number 1989-565-47, e002712237, Canada Post Corporation.

In 1983 the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC) recognized the national historic significance of Georges-Philias Vanier (1888–1967), the first Governor General of French Canadian descent since Confederation.

Born in Montréal, Vanier studied law and then, during the First World War, became a founding officer of the Royal 22nd Regiment. Major Vanier fought in battle; gravely wounded, he received many decorations. After briefly returning to civilian life in 1918, he rejoined the military and became aide-de-camp to Governors General De Vimey (1921–22) and Willingdon (1926–28), as well as commanding officer of the Royal 22nd (1925–28).

In 1928, Vanier began a prestigious career as a diplomat. He represented the Government of Canada at international conferences, serving on its delegation to the League of Nations and its diplomatic missions in London (1931–38) and Paris (1939). During the Second World War, he became commander of the military district of Québec City in 1941. Two years later, he took part in various Allied meetings. From 1944 to 1953 he was Canada’s first Ambassador to France, and represented Canada at the 1946 Peace Conference.

After retiring from active duty in 1954, Georges-Philias Vanier took up a number of administrative positions. In 1959 he was appointed Governor General, remaining in office until his death. A promoter of bilingualism and champion of Canadian unity, he also gave attention to the disadvantaged and in 1964 he organized a Canadian Conference on the Family. Laden with honours and awards, he was interred in a crypt in the Citadel chapel (classified by the FHBRO in 1993) in Québec City, where a memorial plaque has been placed.