CANADA HISTORY - Govenors General

David Lloyd Johnston

David Lloyd Johnston, who served as the 28th Governor General of Canada from 2010 to 2017, brought to the office a distinguished background in academia, law, and public service. His tenure was characterized by his dedication to education, public engagement, and strengthening Canada's civic institutions, all of which reflected the principles that had guided his life and career. Born on June 28, 1941, in Copper Cliff, a small community in Ontario, Johnston’s early life was shaped by a passion for education and a belief in the power of knowledge to bring about positive change. These core beliefs would come to define his time as Governor General.

Early Life and Education

David Johnston was raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, in a family that placed a high value on education. His father, Lloyd Johnston, was a sales representative for industrial products, while his mother, Dorothy, was a homemaker who encouraged her children to pursue academic excellence. Johnston’s talent for sports, particularly hockey, was evident from a young age, and he played competitively throughout his youth. Hockey, in fact, would remain a significant part of his life, symbolizing his belief in teamwork, dedication, and resilience.

Johnston’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Harvard University, where he attended on a hockey scholarship. At Harvard, Johnston excelled not only on the ice, serving as captain of the varsity hockey team, but also in the classroom, graduating magna cum laude in 1963. His time at Harvard had a profound influence on his intellectual development, as he was exposed to new ideas and the value of public service. After completing his undergraduate degree, Johnston pursued further studies at the University of Cambridge, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws, followed by a law degree from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.

Early Career in Law and Academia

Johnston’s legal and academic career began at Queen’s University, where he took on a teaching role in the Faculty of Law. His expertise in constitutional and administrative law, as well as his passion for educating the next generation of legal professionals, quickly distinguished him as a respected figure in the academic community. In 1972, he joined the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto, where he continued his academic work and wrote extensively on legal topics, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Johnston’s commitment to public service became increasingly evident during this time. He served as the first non-American to chair the Harvard Board of Overseers and was a strong advocate for strengthening the ties between Canadian and American universities. His reputation for leadership and integrity led him to be appointed as the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of McGill University in 1979, a position he held for 15 years. At McGill, Johnston was a transformative leader, focusing on expanding the university’s research capabilities and international partnerships. His leadership helped McGill maintain its status as one of Canada’s top institutions of higher learning.

In 1999, Johnston returned to Ontario as the President of the University of Waterloo. Under his guidance, the university grew to become a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in the fields of technology and engineering. Johnston was instrumental in fostering partnerships between academia and industry, which led to significant advancements in research and development. He also worked to ensure that the University of Waterloo remained accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating his belief in the importance of education for all.

Public Service and the Role of Governor General

David Johnston’s reputation for integrity, leadership, and public service made him a natural choice for the role of Governor General of Canada. He was appointed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2010, taking office on October 1 of that year. Johnston’s installation as Governor General was marked by his call to Canadians to build a “smart and caring nation,” a theme that would define his seven-year tenure. He saw the office of the Governor General as an opportunity to inspire Canadians to work towards a more inclusive, compassionate, and innovative society.

One of Johnston’s primary focuses as Governor General was on education and the development of knowledge. He was a tireless advocate for lifelong learning, recognizing that the challenges of the 21st century demanded a well-educated and informed populace. Throughout his tenure, Johnston promoted initiatives aimed at improving education, particularly in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). He encouraged young Canadians to pursue careers in these fields, recognizing the critical role that innovation would play in Canada’s future prosperity.

Johnston also worked to promote civic engagement and volunteerism. He believed that a strong democracy depended on active and informed citizens, and he used his platform to encourage Canadians to participate in their communities and contribute to the common good. Under his leadership, Rideau Hall launched several initiatives aimed at fostering civic responsibility, including the “My Giving Moment” campaign, which encouraged Canadians to give back through volunteer work, philanthropy, and acts of kindness. This initiative resonated with people across the country and highlighted Johnston’s belief that everyone had a role to play in making Canada a better place.

Major Events and Issues During Johnston’s Tenure

Johnston’s time as Governor General coincided with a number of significant events in Canadian and global politics. Perhaps one of the most notable was the ongoing debate over Canada’s role in international conflicts, particularly in Afghanistan and the broader war on terror. Johnston was a strong supporter of the Canadian Armed Forces and made it a point to visit Canadian troops stationed abroad. His visits to Afghanistan, where he met with soldiers and expressed the nation’s gratitude for their service, were among the most meaningful moments of his tenure. Johnston’s support for the military also extended to his involvement in remembrance ceremonies and efforts to ensure that veterans received the recognition and support they deserved.

In addition to his support for the military, Johnston was also involved in navigating some of the political challenges that arose during his time in office. As Governor General, he played a key role in maintaining the constitutional balance between the Crown and the government, ensuring that the office remained politically neutral while still acting as a stabilizing force in times of political uncertainty. One such moment came in 2011 when Canada faced a constitutional question regarding the potential for a coalition government following a minority Parliament. Johnston’s handling of this situation was widely praised for its adherence to constitutional principles and its commitment to preserving democratic integrity.

Johnston also used his position to address issues related to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. He recognized the importance of acknowledging Canada’s colonial past and the ongoing impacts of systemic discrimination. Johnston was a vocal advocate for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and its recommendations, often emphasizing the need for meaningful action towards healing the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. He participated in several TRC events and supported initiatives aimed at increasing awareness of Indigenous history and culture.

Accomplishments as Governor General

David Johnston’s tenure as Governor General was marked by numerous accomplishments, both in terms of his public engagements and the initiatives he championed. One of his most significant contributions was his focus on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Canada. Johnston believed that Canada’s future prosperity depended on its ability to compete in a global knowledge economy, and he used his platform to promote research and development in fields such as technology, healthcare, and the environment.

His efforts to strengthen Canada’s innovation ecosystem were recognized through his leadership in convening important dialogues between government, industry, and academia. Johnston frequently spoke about the importance of collaboration and the need for Canada to embrace a culture of innovation. His background as an academic and university administrator gave him a unique perspective on how to bridge the gap between research and industry, and he used his position as Governor General to bring these issues to the forefront of national conversations.

Johnston also made significant contributions to the recognition of Canadian excellence. As Governor General, he had the responsibility of presenting various national honors and awards, including the Order of Canada. Johnston took great pride in recognizing the achievements of Canadians from all walks of life, whether in science, the arts, public service, or volunteerism. He was known for his humility and genuine appreciation for the accomplishments of others, and his presentations of honors were often described as heartfelt and sincere.

One of Johnston’s lasting legacies as Governor General was his emphasis on building a more inclusive and caring society. His “smart and caring nation” initiative sought to inspire Canadians to be more compassionate, thoughtful, and engaged in their communities. He believed that Canada’s strength lay in its diversity and that fostering a sense of belonging for all Canadians was essential for the country’s future success. Johnston’s work in this area extended to his support for immigration and multiculturalism, as he often spoke about the importance of welcoming newcomers and ensuring that all Canadians had the opportunity to thrive.

Post-Governor General Work and Legacy

David Johnston’s term as Governor General concluded in 2017, but his commitment to public service continued. Upon leaving office, he was appointed chair of the Rideau Hall Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to promoting education, innovation, leadership, and giving in Canada. Johnston’s work with the Foundation allowed him to continue many of the initiatives he had championed as Governor General, particularly in the areas of education and civic engagement.

Johnston also authored several books, including The Idea of Canada: Letters to a Nation, in which he reflected on his time as Governor General and shared his thoughts on what it means to be Canadian. His writings offered insights into his values and vision for Canada’s future, focusing on themes of kindness, generosity, and the importance of community.

In recognition of his lifelong dedication to public service, Johnston was named a Companion of the Order of Canada, the highest level of one of the country’s most prestigious honors. His legacy as Governor General is one of integrity, compassion, and a steadfast belief in the potential of Canada and its people. David Johnston remains an influential figure in Canadian society, admired for his leadership, his intellect, and his unwavering commitment to building a better, smarter, and more caring nation.