Canada is getting its first Indigenous governor general with the appointment of Inuk leader Mary Simon, says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The announcement comes five months after former governor general Julie Payette resigned amid a “scathing” workplace conduct review and as speculation heats up that the federal parties are on the verge of a summer election before the House of Commons returns in the fall.
Trudeau announced on Tuesday morning at the Canadian Museum of History that Queen Elizabeth II has approved the appointment of Simon, a prominent Inuk leader who was formerly the Canadian ambassador to Denmark and who played a leading role in the creation of the Arctic Council.
“Ms. Simon’s career has always been one of breaking down barriers,” said Trudeau.
“Today, after 154 years, our country takes a historic step. I cannot think of a better person to meet the moment.”
Simon is also an Officer of the Order of Canada and has been honoured over the last several decades with the National Aboriginal Achievement Award, the Gold Order of the Canadian Geographic Society and the Governor General’s Northern Award.
She has also been inducted into the International Women’s Hall of Fame and is a fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society, among other honours.
“I can confidently say that my appointment is a historic and inspirational moment for Canada and an important step forward on the long path to reconciliation,” Simon told journalists.
She is bilingual in English and Inuktitut, but not in French.
Simon said she was denied the chance to learn French while attending a federal day school in Quebec but is committed to doing so.
“I am deeply committed to continuing my French language studies and plan to conduct the business of the governor general of Canada in both official languages,” Simon said.
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Trudeau thanked Richard Wagner, chief justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, who has been acting as administrator since Payette resigned earlier in the year.
Speculation has been growing over recent months that a federal election could be imminent, and it is the governor general who will grant any request by the prime minister to dissolve Parliament.
Trudeau said he has not discussed any plans for an election with Simon.
More to come.
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