Canada's governor general designate has audience with Queen Elizabeth

David Johnston, Canada's Governor General designate, paid a visit to Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Sunday for his first official audience with Queen Elizabeth.

"This important meeting marks another step on the path to his installation as The Queen's representative in Canada," Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement.

During the audience, Johnston was invested as Commander of the Order of Military Merit and Commander of the Order of Merit for Police Forces. His wife, Sharon Johnston, was also invested as a Companion of the Order of Canada.

On July 8, Harper announced that under his recommendation, Queen Elizabeth II has approved the appointment of David Lloyd Johnston as the 28th governor general of Canada to replace Michaelle Jean on Oct. 1.

Born on June 28, 1941, in Sudbury, Ontario, Johnston is a Canadian academician and author.

His academic specializations include securities regulation, corporation and information technology and law.

Johnston also involved himself with politics and public service, moderating political debates and chairing commissions in both federal and provincial spheres.

Source: Xinhua