The Honourable V. Peter Harder, P.C., the Government Representative in the Senate, today announced the re-appointment of John Gregory Peters, M.V.O., as the Usher of the Black Rod, effective October 1, 2018.

John Gregory Peters, M.V.O., has been re-appointed as Usher of the Black Rod.

Mr. Peters was appointed by the Governor in Council in 2013 to serve as the 17th Usher of the Black Rod for a term of five years. Prior to this, he served a distinguished career of 32 years with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Mr. Peters is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Gold and Diamond Jubilee Medals, and a Member of the Royal Victorian Order.

Mr. Peters was chosen for re-appointment as the Usher of the Black Rod through the Government’s open, transparent, and merit-based appointment process.

Quick Facts

• The Usher of the Black Rod is the most senior protocol officer in the Parliament of Canada.
• The responsibilities of the Usher of the Black Rod combine traditional, ceremonial and modern administrative functions. These include coordinating ceremonies that take place within the Senate chamber, serving on the senior management team of the Senate Administration, and overseeing the Senate Page Program.
• Under a 600-year-old parliamentary tradition, the Usher of the Black Rod is also the personal attendant and messenger of the Sovereign or the Sovereign’s representative when either is in Parliament.