University of Alberta

Protocol

Please Note: It is essential that you notify the Office of Government and Corporate Relations if you are having a government dignitary attend your event.  Please use the form at Let Us Know about an Official Visitor or Contact Us.

Following proper protocol when inviting a dignitary to attend an event or to send greetings is important for several reasons including showing respect for the offices involved and demonstrating professionalism. Proper protocol also increases the likelihood of your request being granted.

Proper protocol during the course of an event is also very important. It allows busy government dignitaries to better understand their role and therefore to be prepared to participate when called upon. It is important to consult the following websites when sending invitations or asking for scrolls or greetings, as they provide useful information concerning protocol.

 Important considerations:

  • Timelines - certain dignitaries require up to 6 months notice.
  • Making your invitation or request in writing will increase the chances of your invitation being accepted or your request being granted.
    • Include in your invitation specifics about your event:
      • Reason for and significance of event;
      • Scale of the event (are 10 people attending or 1000?)
      • Whether media will be attending;
      • Potential role for the dignitary (speaking, attendance, ribbon cutting, etc.);
      • Time and whether the time for the role is flexible; and
      • Specific location.
  • Styles of address - titles, how to address a dignitary in conversation or introduce them on stage.
  • Order of introductions - the order in which dignitaries are welcomed, seated, and speak may differ.

 Federal

  • Governor General, His Excellency David Johnston
  • Prime Minister of Canada, The Right Honourable Stephen Harper
    • Contact the PM - contact information for requests including special messages.
  • Members of Parliament - alphabetical contact list for all Members of Parliament, including Ministers.
  • Senators - alphabetical contact list of all current Senators.
  • Deputy Ministers - alphabetical contact list for all Deputy Ministers in the Government of Canada.
  • Government of Canada protocol page - gives details on styles of address, honours and salutes, precedence and Government of Canada protocol offices.
  • Flag protocol is very important and varies depending on groups represented and the number of flags being flown.
 Provincial 
Municipal
  • The Mayor of a municipality is referred to as His/Her Worship.
  • For specific protocol questions, it is best to contact the relevant municipality's council office, as protocol varies between municipalities.
  • Mayor of the City of Edmonton, His Worship Stephen Mandel