The governor general is the representative of the Crown, empowered to govern according to the dictates of the prime minister. Technically the head of state, the governor general's duties include summoning and dissolving Parliament, as well as being the official host for visiting heads of state. The changing role and jurisdiction of the governor general has, broadly speaking, mirrored Canada's efforts toward independence. Vincent Massey, appointed 1952, was the first Canadian governor general and Jean Sauvé,1984, was the first woman in that role.
