Georges Vanier

Major-General The Right Honourable Georges-Philéas Vanier (April 23, 1888 - March 5, 1967) was a Canadian diplomat who was Governor General of Canada from 1959 to 1967.

Early Career

In 1921, he was appointed aide-de-camp to Lord Byng, beginning many years of service to the Office of the Governor General. In 1925, he took over command of The Royal 22nd Regiment at La Citadelle, and the following year was appointed an honorary aide-de-camp to Lord Willingdon and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1924.

Related Topics:
Lord Byng - 1925 - La Citadelle - Lord Willingdon - Lieutenant colonel - 1924

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In 1928, Georges Vanier began a long career in the diplomatic service when he was appointed to Canada's military delegation for disarmament to the League of Nations. In 1931, he was named Secretary to the Office of the High Commissioner in London. This was followed in 1939 with his appointment to the position of Canadian Minister to France -- a post he was forced to flee when the Nazis invaded in 1940. He was appointed commander of the military district of Quebec in 1941, and began an early policy of bilingualism in the army. By 1942, he was promoted to major general, and following the war was Canada's delegate at the Paris Peace Conference. During World War II he served as ambassador to all allied governments in exile in London. He was appointed as Canada's first ambassador to France in 1944 and his distinguished service at this post continued until his retirement in 1953.

Related Topics:
1928 - League of Nations - 1931 - High Commissioner - London - 1939 - Minister - Nazi - 1940 - Quebec - 1941 - Bilingualism - 1942 - Major general - Paris Peace Conference - World War II - Ambassador - Governments in exile - 1944 - 1953

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Before retiring in 1953, General Vanier once again served as Canada's representative to the United Nations. After retirement, he and his wife returned to Montreal where they became involved in social work in the city. Georges Vanier was also a director with the Bank of Montreal, Credit Foncier Franco-Canadien, and the Standard Life Assurance Company, and served on the Canada Council for the Arts.

Related Topics:
United Nations - Montreal - Bank of Montreal - Canada Council for the Arts

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