Despite the economic situation , Canada was gaining international stature and Lord Bessborough acted as host to the leaders who , in July 1932 , converged on Ottawa for the Imperial Economic Conference . He also presided over the opening of the Welland Canal the same year . The Governor General welcomed a number of foreign dignitaries , including Prince Takamatsu and his wife , Princess Takamatsu ; King Rama VII of Siam and his consort , Queen Ramphaiphanni ; and Winston Churchill , then a British Member of Parliament . There were also a number of technological firsts that took place during Bessborough 's tenure : his installation ceremony was the first to be broadcast by radio ; in 1932 , from the Governor General 's study at Rideau Hall , he inaugurated the first trans-Canada telephone line by calling each of the lieutenant governors ; and , as Governor-in-Council , he created the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation ( the CBC ) . Lord Bessborough was also the first Canadian viceroy to fly the new standard dedicated to that office , created in 1931
Imperial Economic Conference
British Empire Economic Conference
Vere Ponsonby, 9th Earl of Bessborough