The most unique Governor-General that Canada has had arrived in November 1935. John Buchan was a best-selling author of his day, especially of spy-thrillers and adventure novels. Many of his books are still in print, one is almost 110 years old, has...

The most unique Governor-General that Canada has had arrived in November 1935. John Buchan was a best-selling author of his day, especially of spy-thrillers and adventure novels. Many of his books are still in print, one is almost 110 years old, has never been out of print and was made into a movie by Alfred Hitchcock the same year Buchan was appointed!

Born in Scotland, he began writing early in life, became a lawyer and journalist. At the end of WWI, he was head of intelligence, and later was a Member of Parliament in Britain. Buchan was the first Governor-General of Canada appointed after the 1931 Statute of Westminster which gave Canada full independence from Britain. King George V made him a Baron, and therefore a member of the House of Lords, two months after his appointment. So it was as Lord Tweedsmuir that he arrived in Canada. He was the most widely travelled GG, promoting Canadian unity in the process. He established the Governor-General’s Literary Awards in 1936, still Canada’s premier prizes for literary excellence.

But the announcement of his appointment created a nation-wide debate. Why?

Find out the answer when author J. William Galbraith presents an illustrated talk at the Heritage House Museum on Saturday, August 10th at 1 p.m. And find out more about this fascinating individual who gave so much to Canada and left a living legacy!

Admission to this event is free but please contact the Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum at 613 283 6311 or heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca if you are attending. Author J. William Galbraith will have copies of his book for sale at the museum and $5 of the sale will go towards the museum.