Canadian honorifics


Honorifics in Canada are accorded to various office holders in government—in the federal, provincial, and municipal jurisdictions—as well as judges, members of the armed forces, and religious figures. Two styles—the Right Honourable and Honourable—are considered formal, while others, such as Your Excellency, are regarded as honorific and complimentary to the formal styles. Honours stem from the Canadian Crown.

Royal and governmental honorifics

"HonorificAccorded toEntitlement to style
His/Her Majesty
Canadian king and queen, or queen consortFor life, but lost if the monarch abdicates
His/Her Royal Highness
Children and male-line grandchildren of the current or a former reigning monarchFor life
His/Her Royal Highness
Wives of the children and male-line grandchildren of the current or a former reigning monarchFor the duration of marriage and any subsequent widowhood, but lost in cases of divorce
His/Her Royal Highness
Husband of a queen regnant As granted by the monarch, for life unless otherwise provided for
His/Her Excellency
Governor General of CanadaWhile in office; thereafter the Right Honourable
His/Her Excellency
Consort of the governor generalWhile spouse in office
His/Her Excellency
AmbassadorsOnly in the country of accreditation.
The Right Honourable
Governor general of Canada
Prime minister of Canada
Chief justice of Canada		For life
The Right Honourable
Other individuals as determined by the King-in-Council, or as appointed to Privy Council of the United Kingdom prior to 1963 For life, right granted at pleasure
His/Her Honour
Lieutenant governorsWhile in office; thereafter The Honourable.
His/Her Honour
Consorts of lieutenant governorsWhile spouse in office
The Honourable
Members of the King's Privy Council for Canada, consists of:
  • all ministers of the crown in the federal governments, by practice upon their appointment
  • other persons appointed by the governor general on the recommendation of the prime minister
For life, by nature of being member of Privy Council for Canada
The HonourableLieutenant governors
Senators		For life, by practice
The Honourable
Members of the Executive Council of four provinces
  • Nova Scotia
  • Saskatchewan
  • Alberta
  • Ontario
For life, by nature of being honorary members of the Executive Council pursuant to specific legislations, subject to removal upon conviction of certain offences
The HonourableSpeaker [of the House of Commons (Canada)|Speaker of the House of Commons]
Territorial commissioners
Federally appointed judges
  • Puisne judges of the Supreme Court of Canada
  • Judges of the federal courts
  • Judges of the provincial and territorial superior courts
The Honourable
  • Executive council members
  • Speakers of provincial legislatures
  • provincial & territorial court judges
So styled while in office, unless otherwise authorized to maintain the style for life.
His/Her Worship
While in office.

Right to be styled the Right Honourable

Prior to 1963, the right to be styled the Right Honourable was not automatic, but associated with the membership of the Imperial Privy Council of the United Kingdom. Three prime ministers (Alexander Mackenzie, John Abbott and Mackenzie Bowell) and three chief justices were never members and thus were not entitled to be styled as such. Prime Minister Charles Tupper was appointed after he was no longer Prime Minister. Governor General Lord Byng was not a member, but was entitled to be styled as such by nature of being a viscount.
The following Canadians were entitled to be styled the Right Honourable upon being sworn of the Imperial Privy Council:
Reign of Queen Victoria
Reign of King Edward VII
Reign of King George V
Reign of King George VI
Reign of Queen Elizabeth II
The following Canadians were specifically granted the right to be styled the Right Honourable since 1963 without having served as Governor General, Prime Minister of Chief Justice:
Officers and non-commission members within the Canadian Armed Forces use ranks in accordance with the ranks and insignia of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army, or the Royal Canadian Air Force, depending on which element they are a part of. Although all of the rank structures of the separate services were abolished with the unification of all three into one Canadian Forces in 1964, distinctive uniforms, insignia, and rank names have been gradually restored since then. Former members who were honourably released after serving a minimum of 10 years may continue to use the rank title held at the time of release with the word "" or abbreviation "". Similarly, members of the Supplementary Reserve sub-component of the Reserve Force may use their rank in the same manner as former members, unless on duty or engaged in military activities.

Religious honorifics

Religions are free to use their own titles and honorifics, provided they do not contradict those used elsewhere in Canada. This is seen in the use of the style His Excellency by Roman Catholic archbishops and bishops, which is not recognized by Canadian civil authorities.