Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the announcement Saturday, saying he's looking forward to Jean taking on the role next Feb. 12.

"The Governor General is a distinguished and inspiring representative for our country both on the world stage and here at home," Harper said in a statement.

The Queen declared the Olympic Games open in Montreal in 1976. Former governor general Jeanne Sauve opened the 1988 Olympic Games in Calgary.

In February, the Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee made a formal request through the Canadian government to invite the Queen to open the Olympics.

VANOC spokeswoman Renee Smith-Valade said the committee would have been delighted to have the Queen open the Games.

"We respect that many considerations would have been taken before designating the Governor General and we are honoured to welcome Michaelle Jean," she said.

A Prime Minister's Office official who did not wish to be named said the Queen will be visiting Canada at some point next year but is not expected to be in the country during the Games.

John Furlong, who heads VANOC, said the Olympic charter states that the head of state for a host country declares the Games open.

He said that in this case the Governor General has been designated to represent the Queen, who is Canada's official head of state.

"We are delighted and honoured that Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean will open the 2010 Olympic Winter Games," Furlong said in a statement.

"Her Excellency has a strong belief in the values of sport and the Games and every Canadian will cheer her on in this role," he said.

"She was with us in Torino at the 2006 Olympic Games, cheering on the Canadian teams and is clearly excited about what the Games can do for Canada and the important legacy they will leave."