CANADA HISTORY - Govenors General

Roland Michener

Roland Michener, the 20th Governor General of Canada, played a pivotal role in the nation’s history during his time in office from 1967 to 1974. Known for his calm, composed, and dignified manner, Michener’s tenure came at a time of both celebration and crisis. His appointment, though made by a Liberal government, followed a storied career in Conservative politics and diplomacy, illustrating his ability to transcend partisan lines and serve as a unifying figure. This detailed exploration of Michener’s life, his career, and his time as Governor General showcases his contributions to Canadian society, his handling of significant events like the FLQ Crisis, and his enduring legacy of public service.

Early Life and Education
Daniel Roland Michener was born on April 19, 1900, in Lacombe, Alberta, into a politically engaged family. His father, Edward Michener, was a prominent figure in the community and served as a Senator in Canada’s upper house. Growing up in a family with strong political ties gave Michener early exposure to the workings of government and likely influenced his decision to pursue a career in law and public service.

Michener’s education was marked by excellence and distinction. He attended the University of Alberta, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and stood out as a bright, motivated student. His academic achievements led to him being awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, a prestigious opportunity that allowed him to study at the University of Oxford in England. At Oxford, Michener furthered his legal education and was admitted to the Middle Temple in 1923, becoming a barrister.

During World War I, Michener briefly interrupted his studies to join the Royal Air Force at the age of 18, although the war ended before he saw active combat. This early display of patriotism and service would be a theme throughout his life.

Early Career in Law and Politics
After completing his education, Michener returned to Canada and established a legal practice in Toronto. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled lawyer and became involved in provincial politics. From 1945 to 1948, Michener represented a Toronto riding in the Ontario legislature, serving as the provincial secretary for part of that time. His experience in provincial politics helped to shape his understanding of governance, and he developed a strong reputation for his calm demeanor and intellectual approach to political issues.

Michener’s transition to federal politics came in 1953 when he was elected to the House of Commons as the Member of Parliament for the Toronto riding of St. Paul’s. A Conservative by political affiliation, Michener was seen as a moderate and pragmatic politician, willing to work across party lines to achieve consensus. His legal expertise and even-handedness made him a natural choice for Speaker of the House of Commons, a position he was elected to in 1957.

Speaker of the House of Commons
Michener’s time as Speaker of the House of Commons is one of the most significant chapters of his political career. He served as Speaker during a particularly turbulent time in Canadian parliamentary history, including during two minority governments—one led by John Diefenbaker and the other by Lester B. Pearson. As Speaker, Michener earned respect from all political parties for his impartiality, fairness, and ability to maintain order in the often fractious atmosphere of parliamentary debate.

His role as Speaker required him to navigate through intense political battles, including a period when no party had a clear majority. Despite the challenges, Michener was known for his composure and his ability to foster cooperation among MPs. His deep understanding of parliamentary procedure and his diplomatic approach made him a respected figure in Ottawa.

Michener served as Speaker until 1962, when he was defeated in the general election. However, his career in public service was far from over.

Diplomatic Career: High Commissioner to India
In 1964, Michener’s diplomatic skills were recognized when he was appointed High Commissioner to India, a key diplomatic post. His time in India was brief but impactful. During his tenure, Michener worked to strengthen Canada’s relationship with India, a country that was increasingly important on the world stage during the Cold War era. His interest in fostering cultural and political exchanges between the two nations was demonstrated by his effort to learn Hindi and immerse himself in the country’s rich traditions.

While in New Delhi, Michener gained valuable experience in international diplomacy and statesmanship, which would serve him well when he was recalled to Canada in 1967 to take on an even more significant role: Governor General.

Appointment as Governor General
Following the sudden death of General Georges Vanier in 1967, Michener was appointed by Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson as the 20th Governor General of Canada. His selection came at a momentous time, as Canada was preparing to celebrate its Centennial year, marking 100 years since Confederation. Michener returned from India and took office on April 7, 1967, just in time to welcome the flood of international dignitaries and heads of state visiting Canada to celebrate the nation's milestone.

Michener was the third native-born Canadian to hold the office of Governor General, following Vincent Massey and Georges Vanier. His appointment by a Liberal government, despite his Conservative background, underscored his reputation for impartiality and his ability to rise above partisan politics. Michener’s calm, dignified presence, combined with his political wisdom and international experience, made him an ideal candidate for the role.

Role as Governor General
As Governor General, Michener carried out the ceremonial and constitutional duties of the office with grace and professionalism. He presided over a period of national pride and reflection, as Canada marked its Centennial with celebrations across the country. Michener’s role in these festivities was central, as he hosted foreign dignitaries and took part in numerous public events.

During his tenure, Michener also served as Chief Scout of Canada, Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces, and Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. His involvement in these roles demonstrated his commitment to promoting youth leadership, community service, and the well-being of Canadians.

Michener was also a strong advocate for bilingualism in Canada. Although he had not been fluent in French at the start of his political career, he took it upon himself to learn the language, a testament to his belief in the importance of fostering unity between English and French-speaking Canadians. His fluency in French allowed him to connect with Quebecers and represent the Crown effectively in both official languages.

FLQ Crisis and Composure in a Time of National Turmoil
One of the most challenging moments of Michener’s term as Governor General came during the FLQ Crisis in 1970. The crisis, which involved the kidnapping of British diplomat James Cross and Quebec’s Labour Minister Pierre Laporte by the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ), a separatist group, plunged Canada into a state of emergency. Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau invoked the War Measures Act, granting the government sweeping powers to restore order.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces, Michener’s role during the FLQ Crisis was largely ceremonial, but his calm demeanor and measured approach were essential in maintaining public confidence during this tense period. He worked closely with Trudeau, ensuring that the military's involvement was handled with care and that the crisis did not further exacerbate divisions within the country. Michener’s steady leadership helped the nation navigate through one of the most tumultuous events in its history.

Advocacy for Fitness and Health
After leaving office in January 1974, Michener remained an active public figure. One of his most significant post-Governor General efforts was his work promoting physical fitness among Canadians. Believing that an active lifestyle was essential for the well-being of both individuals and the nation as a whole, Michener dedicated much of his time to advocating for fitness programs. He worked with various organizations to encourage Canadians to engage in regular exercise and to promote the health benefits of physical activity.

His work in promoting fitness led to the establishment of the Michener Awards, which recognize excellence in public service journalism, encouraging investigative reporting and recognizing journalistic efforts that promote accountability and transparency.

Later Life and Legacy
Even after his retirement from public office, Michener remained involved in various charities, organizations, and boards. His extensive experience in public service made him a sought-after speaker and advisor, and he continued to influence Canadian society through his charitable work and contributions to education and fitness.

Michener passed away on August 6, 1991, at the age of 91. His life and career were celebrated as examples of dedication to public service, fairness, and national unity. His personal motto, "Freedom with Order," reflected his belief in the importance of balancing individual freedoms with the needs of society—a principle that guided his life and career.

Roland Michener’s tenure as Governor General of Canada was marked by his wisdom, composure, and dedication to public service. From his early days as a Rhodes Scholar and barrister to his roles as Speaker of the House of Commons, High Commissioner to India, and Governor General, Michener’s career exemplified a commitment to Canada’s unity and democratic values.

His handling of the FLQ Crisis, his advocacy for bilingualism, and his promotion of fitness and public health are just a few of the contributions that defined his time in office and beyond. Michener’s legacy as a statesman, diplomat, and leader continues to inspire Canadians, and his belief in "freedom with order" remains a guiding principle for those who seek to serve the public good.