Intended to replace the residence of the colonial Lieutenant Governors of New Brunswick that burned down in 1825,[3] Government House was erected between 1826 and 1828 on the site of the former Acadian settlement of Sainte-Anne, and served as meeting place for the viceroy and his Executive Council,[4] balls, and state dinners.

[3] In 1890, however, Lieutenant Governor Samuel Leonard Tilley felt the maintenance budget for the house was insufficient and consequently relocated,[3] after which the former viceregal residence took on other roles.

It is also where numerous vice-regal events take place, such as the bestowing of provincial awards or inductions into the Order of New Brunswick, as well as luncheons, dinners, receptions, and speaking engagements.

It is also at the vice-regal residence that the lieutenant governor drops the writs of election, swears-in new members of the Executive Council, and holds audiences with the premier.

The building, designed by architect James Woolford, is in the Georgian style with touches of Adam, being a hip roofed, rectangular, two storey block divided by two perpendicular axes.