Governor General: Head of State vs Head of Government
The Monarch in Canada is the Queen but she is represented by the Governor General. Usually governs for about 5 years (Michaelle Jean) The Governor General announces many government decisions but never makes the legislation. She is the head of state
The head of Government is the leader of the political party with the most seats in the House of Commons At the moment, Stephen Harper is the head of government and the current leader of the Conservative Party, making him Prime Minister.