CBC Archives

You must sign in to leave a comment on this clip.

Ray Hnatyshyn sworn in as Governor General

Broadcast Date: Jan. 29, 1992

Ramon Hnatyshyn, governor general from 1990 to 1995, brought his signature openness and friendly smile to Rideau Hall, insisting people call him Ray and reopening the historic grounds to the public. During his time as governor general, he created the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards, the Fight for Freedom literacy award, the Canadian Bar Association's Hnatyshyn Award and scholarships in Environmental Engineering and Science. In this CBC Television Archives clip, Hnatyshyn is sworn in as governor general.

Ray Hnatyshyn sworn in as Governor General

• Ramon Hnatyshyn, born in Saskatoon on March 16, 1934, was the 24th governor general. He was the first person of Ukrainian heritage and the seventh Canadian-born person to fill the position. Hnatyshyn died at the age of 68 on Dec. 18, 2002.
• At the time of his death, he was senior partner with the Ottawa law firm Gowling Lafleur Henderson, where he practised advocacy, business, international and trade law.

• Hnatyshyn was called to the Bar of Saskatchewan in 1957 and to the Ontario Bar in 1986. He was first elected to the House of Commons in 1974 and on June 4, 1979 he was sworn into the Privy Council, after which he held a number of different ministerial portfolios.
• He was interested in environmental issues and literacy and was a great supporter of the performing arts.
• He left behind his wife, Gerda, and their two sons, John and Carl.

Ray Hnatyshyn sworn in as Governor General

Medium: Television

Program: Installation of Governor General

Broadcast Date: Jan. 29, 1992

Guest(s):

Reporter: David Halton
Speaker: Ray Hnatyshyn, Brian Mulroney

Duration: 2:25

Last updated:
Jan. 29, 2010