OTTAWA, ON – Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon was installed as the 30th governor general of Canada during a historic ceremony that took place in the Senate Chamber on July 26, 2021.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to welcome Canada’s new Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon:
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, it is my honour and privilege to welcome Canada’s 30th Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon.
“Born in Nunavik, in northern Quebec, Her Excellency has spent a lifetime working on behalf of those around her. A tireless advocate for Inuit rights and culture, young people, and the environment, she has received countless honours and was the first Inuk to hold a position as a Canadian ambassador.
“I am inspired by the historic nature of this moment, as our country continues to come to terms with the difficult realities of our collective past. I know that, as Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General, Her Excellency will devote herself to helping us as we confront these difficult truths together, walk the shared path of reconciliation, and build bridges between all those who call our country home.
The installation ceremony was followed by a presentation of military honours and the inspection of a guard of honour at the National War Memorial. The new governor general then made her way to Rideau Hall, the official residence and workplace of the governor general in Ottawa, where family members were waiting to mark the event. (PM Trudeau’s website and gg.ca)