What Does a Governor General do?

The current Governor General of Canada is Julie Payette. Recently, there have been allegations of verbal abuse by Payette toward her staff.

The Governor General is the Queen's representative in Canada. The Queen, on the advice of the Prime Minister, appoints the Governor General.

Once in office, the Governor General maintains direct contact with the Queen, but what does the Governor General actually do?

The Governor General signs bills into law, has the power to summon, prorogue, and dissolve Parliament and call elections. They also swear in Members of Parliament, hosts heads of state, and is Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces.

They also read the speech from the Throne, awards medals, and recognizes the achievements of Canadians.

Today the role is largely ceremonial.