Jules Leger was the brother of Cardinal Paul-Emile Leger, a socially-active progressive cleric who not only served in Rome, but worked with lepers in the Cameroon, Africa. Governor General Leger won respect for the sensitivity and administrative ability he brought to his appointments in government.
After being associate editor of Le Devoir (1938-39), Leger embarked upon a diplomatic career in 1940, which included ambassadorships in Mexico, Rome and Paris. He also represented Canada in a variety of international organizations including the United Nations, NATO, the North Atlantic Council, and the Organization for European Economic Corporation.
As Ambassador to France (1964-68), Leger is remembered for having to deal tactfully with French President DeGaulle's policy towards the separation movement within Quebec. He was also Under-Secretary of State (1968-72) in Canada, and assisted with the development of the policies on multiculturalism and bilingualism enacted by Trudeau's Government.
Shortly after becoming Governor General, Leger suffered a stroke which paralysed him and affected his speech. His wife, Her Excellency Madame Gabrielle Leger, assisted him with the Speeches from the Throne which opened the 1974 and 1978 sessions of Parliament.
In 1978, Leger became the first Governor General of Canada to exercise the authority of the Queen in Canada. This power had existed since 1947, when King George VI changed the Governor General's position from that of the Sovereign's personal representative in Canada to one where the holder of the Office was delegated all the authority of the Sovereign within Canada.
