Since the Letters Patent, 1947, were signed by King George VI, the governor general of Canada—presently Mary Simon—executes most of the duties of the sovereign, including in his role as commander-in-chief.

Throughout the development of the armed forces, the monarch has remained vested with command-in-chief,[2][3] while the governor general's title altered to suit the changes in the militia's structure.

Following this, the Letters Patent, 1947, issued by King George VI, referred to the "Office of Governor General and Commander-in-Chief in and over Canada.

As all executive power is legally reposed in the Crown, the role of commander-in-chief is the only constitutional means by which decisions are made over the deployment and disposition of the Canadian Armed Forces.

"[8] In exercising the duties of commander-in-chief, the governor general appoints the chief of the Defence Staff, as well as royal colonels-in-chief of Canadian regiments (save for the monarch himself); approves new military badges and insignia (except for those bearing St Edward's Crown, which may only be sanctioned by the sovereign); visits Canadian forces personnel within Canada and abroad; bestows honours, decorations, and medals; and signs commission scrolls.