Governor General Designate Announcement
July 6, 2021
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that on his recommendation, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has approved the appointment of Mary Simon as the next Governor General of Canada.
As Governor General, Ms. Simon will be the representative of Her Majesty The Queen in Canada. She will be Canada’s 30th Governor General since Confederation, and the 13th Governor General appointed by Her Majesty during her 69 years on the throne.
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“I am very pleased to announce that Her Majesty The Queen has graciously approved the appointment of Mary Simon as the next Governor General of Canada. Ms. Simon has dedicated her life to advancing social, economic, and human rights issues for Canadian Inuit and Indigenous peoples, and I am confident that she will serve Canadians and promote our shared values with dedication and integrity. Through this appointment, we are ensuring that Canada is represented by someone who exemplifies the very best of our country. I also join Canadians in thanking His Excellency the Rt. Hon. Richard Wagner, for serving as the Administrator of the Government of Canada the past few months.”
The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
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Combien de symboles pour parvenir à la réconciliation tant espérée… ?
Throughout her distinguished career, Ms. Simon has been a tireless advocate for Inuit rights and culture, and the rights of all Indigenous peoples. Over four decades, she has held various senior leadership positions, including President of Makivik Corporation, where she helped to protect and promote Inuit rights through the implementation of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. She also served two terms as President of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference, now known as the Inuit Circumpolar Council, and as President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.
As the first Canadian Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs, Ms. Simon played a leading role in strengthening the ties between the people of the Arctic regions nationally and internationally, including through the creation of the Arctic Council. She is also the founder of the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation, and has served as the Ambassador of Canada to Denmark.
The selection was informed through the advice of the Advisory Group on the Selection of the Next Governor General. The group was mandated to deliberate and submit a shortlist of outstanding Canadians for the Prime Minister’s consideration to fill the office.
Ms. Simon has made it her life’s work to increase recognition of Indigenous rights and northern affairs. Through her diplomacy and leadership, Ms. Simon has earned the respect of many heads of governments and international organizations. She is a valued advisor on important northern issues such as sovereignty, the environment, economic development and social policy. In addition to her many accomplishments, including the negotiation of the recognition of Indigenous rights in the Constitution Act, 1982, Ms. Simon became the first Inuk to hold an ambassadorial position. She is also known as the principal architect of Canada’s northern policy. A true visionary and passionate advocate for Inuit culture, Ms. Simon is a continuous source of inspiration and is committed to the preservation of Canada’s northern identity.
https://www.gg.ca/en/activities/2021/governor-general-designate-announcement
Le rôle et les responsabilités du gouverneur général
En 1947, les Lettres patentes constituant la charge de gouverneur général du Canada (sous le règne du Roi George VI) donnaient l’autorisation au gouverneur général d’exercer la plupart des pouvoirs de la Couronne au nom du souverain.
Parmi les responsabilités parlementaires du gouverneur général figurent :
convoquer, proroger et dissoudre le Parlement;
énoncer le programme gouvernemental en lisant le discours du Trône;
accorder la sanction royale qui donne force de loi aux projets de loi du Parlement.
Le gouverneur général est aussi commandant en chef du Canada. Il visite les bases militaires et honore le personnel militaire canadien au nom de la Reine.
Le gouverneur général assume également des fonctions cérémonielles :
promouvoir un sentiment d’identité; reconnaître les accomplissements de Canadiens remarquables; recevoir des dignitaires étrangers;
Totemisia 