Governor General David Johnston will be front and centre during Canada's upcoming 150th birthday celebrations.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced Tuesday that Johnston has accepted his invitation to remain in office until September 2017 — an "extended term" that, he noted, "will cover many of the events celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation."

While there is no fixed term for the post, the average tenure at Rideau Hall has been approximately five years, a milestone Johnston, who was appointed in 2010, will reach in October.

In a written statement, Harper praised Johnston as an "exceptional" Governor General.

"He has made remarkable contributions to Canada in his role as the Queen’s representative in Canada, performing his duties with dignity, wisdom and aplomb," he added.

"I look forward to him continuing his fine work in this critical role.”