Menu

governor general

Prime Minister Mark Carney

Louise Arbour named as Canada’s next Governor General

,

Louise Arbour has been named as Canada’s next Governor General.

Prime Minister Mark Carney made the announcement, Tuesday morning. Arbour was born in Montreal and speaks French and English fluently.

She is a former Supreme Court of Canada justice and has also served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Arbour will replace Mary Simon when her term wraps up this summer. She has served as the 30th Governor General of Canada since July 2021.

Simon is also the first Indigenous person to be named to the role, but it hasn’t been without controversy. Some have criticized the decision because Simon is not fluent in French.

Several politicians were questioned on Parliament Hill, Monday, about who they think should be named as the next Governor General.

“We need to make sure that it is a French speaker who understands all of Canada. Every province should be represented in some way or another by the Governor General,” Liberal Nova Scotia MP Chris D’Entremont responded.

mary-simon-screenshot-e1627320700111

Canada’s Governor General Tests Positive For COVID-19

, , , , , , ,

Canada’s governor general has tested positive for COVID-19.

On Twitter, Mary Simon said she tested positive on Wednesday morning and is experiencing mild symptoms.

She will self-isolate and take some time to rest in the coming days.

Simon’s husband, Whit Fraser, tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week.

Simon noted they are experiencing first-hand how “we are not out of this pandemic yet but, we have made tremendous progress”.

The governor general offered thanks to everyone making a difference in the fight against the virus from healthcare workers to those caring for loved ones at home.

trudeau-election

Trudeau Calls Federal Election For Sept. 20

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a federal election for Sept. 20, despite growing concerns over Canada’s fourth wave of COVID-19.

Trudeau, accompanied by his family, met with recently installed Governor General Mary Simon at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Sunday morning and asked her to dissolve parliament.

Simon said yes, and thus Canadians are heading to the polls.

“I’m asking you to vote for real progressive leadership, for strong healthcare, for affordable homes, for a clean and protected environment, make your voice heard, have your say, together let’s move forward for everyone,” said Prime Minister Trudeau.

Despite several questions from the media, Trudeau failed to clearly address whether a failure to establish a majority government would result in his resignation.

A minimum of 170 seats is required to secure a majority government.

Fourth Wave of COVID-19

The timing of an election has drawn criticism from opposition parties; however, Trudeau stated Canadians deserve the right to vote on Canada’s pandemic recovery.

“I think it’s right for Canadians to be able to pronounce themselves on where we’re going, how we get through this, and what the next steps are for fighting the pandemic as we face a fourth wave, but also for what the next steps are for rebuilding our community, our society, our country so that it is better and more resilient for years to come,” said Trudeau.

A fourth wave of COVID-19 – driven by the Delta variant – has recently emerged in Canada.

The country is recording an increase in new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, said chief public health officer of Canada, Dr. Theresa Tam, on Thursday.

When asked about the safety of holding an election at this time, Tam’s key advice was to continue following public health guidelines.

“You do have to watch the local epidemiology and the local public health advice as well… so that could vary over time. Anyone who is campaigning must observe those best practices.”

“Different rules are being applied in different areas of the country,” Tam added.

What do the polls suggest?

In a recent survey conducted by the Angus Reid Institute, the Liberals remain favoured by Canadians, garnering 36% of the votes. The Tories received 31% of the votes, good for second place, followed by the NDP with 19% and the Bloc Quebecois, who received 7%.

With files from Allan Dearing

new-governor-general-e1625581310341

Mary Simon Appointed Canada’s Next Governor General

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Mary Simon has been named the next Governor General of Canada.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced Simon as the first Indigenous person to serve in the role.

“Today, after 154 years, our country takes a historic step, I cannot think of a better person to meet the moment,” said Trudeau at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que.

Queen Elizabeth II made the appointment on the recommendation of Prime Minister Trudeau.

Simon began her address to the public speaking Inuktitut, one of the two languages she speaks.

“ I can confidently say that my appointment is a historic and inspirational moment for Canada, and an important step forward on the long path towards reconciliation,” said Simon. “ this is a moment I hope all Canadians feel part of because my appointment reflects our collective progress towards building a more inclusive, just and equitable society.”

Simon was the first Inuk to hold the position as a Canadian ambassador representing Canada as Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs and Ambassador to Denmark.

The Governor General Designate addressed her bilingualism that includes Inuktitut and English, but notably does not include fluency in French.

Simon says her experience growing up in the federal government day schools deprived her of the opportunity to learn French despite growing up in Nunavik, a northern area of Quebec.

“I am deeply committed to continuing my French language studies and plan to conduct the business of the governor general in both of Canada’s official languages as well as Inuktitut.”

All eyes will be on Simon as speculation of a federal election continues to circulate through Canada. As governor general, Simon will have the power to dissolve Parliament and send Canadians to the polls.

Chief Justice Richard Wagner has fulfilled the duties of governor general as the administrator since Julie Payette resigned in January.