Governor General David Johnston

Canada’s Governor General David Johnston at Rideau Hall in Ottawa April 13, 2016. Photograph by Blair Gable for Maclean’s Magazine

David Johnston completed his extended term as Canada’s Governor General earlier this year after spending seven years at Rideau Hall. Over those years, I spent a healthy amount of time photographing His Excellency – everything from portrait sittings and interviews, to meeting veterans at Remembrance Day and awarding the Orders of Canada.

David Johnston (L), with his wife Sharon, reacts to a youth choir prior to being sworn in as Canada’s Governor General on Parliament Hill in Ottawa October 1, 2010. REUTERS/Blair Gable (CANADA)

Canada’s Governor General David Johnston (L), Britain’s Prince William, and his wife Catherine Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge pose for a photo with new Canadians following a citizenship ceremony at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec near Ottawa July 1, 2011. The Royal couple arrived in Canada on Thursday for their first official visit overseas as a married couple. REUTERS/Blair Gable (CANADA)

Actor Michael J. Fox (L) is awarded the rank of Officer in the Order of Canada by Canada’s Governor General David Johnston at Rideau Hall in Ottawa May 27, 2011. REUTERS/Blair Gable (CANADA)

Governor General David Johnston poses with his beloved dog Rosie at Rideau Hall in Ottawa September 7, 2017. Portrait by Blair Gable for Maclean’s Magazine

Canada’s Governor General David Johnston (L) and Prime Minister Stephen Harper watch a march past during the National Day of Honour ceremony on Parliament Hill in Ottawa May 9, 2014. The event marks the end of Canada’s military mission in Afghanistan. REUTERS/Blair Gable (CANADA)

Canada’s Prime Minster Justin Trudeau and his Cabinet Ministers are sworn in at Rideau Hall in Ottawa November 4, 2015. REUTERS/Blair Gable

Canada’s Governor General David Johnston at Rideau Hall in Ottawa November 26, 2014. Photo by Blair Gable for Maclean’s Magazine

Canada’s Governor General David Johnston (L) inspects soldiers during a ceremony marking the 100th anniversaries of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and the Royal 22nd Regiment on Parliament Hill in Ottawa September 19, 2014. REUTERS/Blair Gable (CANADA)

Governor General in his favourite room (the library) at Rideau Hall in Ottawa June 8, 2017. Photograph by Blair Gable for the Globe and Mail

Canada’s Governor General David Johnston adjusts a heart in the Heart Garden which is meant to symbolize reconciliation during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada closing ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa June 3, 2015. REUTERS/Blair Gable

Canada’s Governor General David Johnston (R) presents former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson with the 2010 Vimy Award in Ottawa November 19, 2010. REUTERS/Blair Gable (CANADA)

Governor General David Johnston on a garden path at Rideau Hall in Ottawa September 7, 2017. Portrait by Blair Gable for Maclean’s Magazine