14.79°C Vancouver

Jul 26, 2021 4:36 PM -

Mary Simon installed as 30th Governor General, first Indigenous person to hold role

Share On
mary-simon-installed-as-30th-governor-general-first-indigenous
Mary Simon speaks during an announcement at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. Simon, an Inuk leader and former Canadian diplomat, has been named as Canada's next governor general — the first Indigenous person to serve in the role. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Mary Simon has officially become Canada's 30th Governor General, and the first Indigenous person to hold the role.

As she took her seat at the head of the Senate chamber, her husband, Whit Fraser, turned to her, took a small bow and then sat down next to Simon.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau named Simon, an Inuk leader and former Canadian diplomat, as his choice to be the Queen's representative in Canada earlier this month, replacing Julie Payette who resigned in January.

Her choice came amid a national reckoning with the country's historical mistreatment of Indigenous Peoples, including horrific findings of unmarked graves at the sites of former residential schools.

In a statement, Trudeau says he expects Simon to help the country confront difficult truths about the past, and walk the shared path of reconciliation.

He also says Simon will use her unique experiences to represent Canadians in all their diversity, at home and abroad, and in both official languages.

Latest news

b-c-conservatives-accuse-eby-of-breaking-1-000-grocery-rebate-promise
BCSep 29, 2026

B.C. Conservatives Accuse Eby of Breaking $1,000 Grocery Rebate Promise

The B.C. Conservatives have launched an attack on the B.C. NDP and Leader David Eby during the provincial election campaign, accusing them of breaking election promises and pursuing failed economic policies. The Conservatives claim that exactly two years ago, the B.C. NDP promised to provide every family in British Columbia with a $1,000 grocery rebate but abandoned the commitment after winning the election. B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson questioned how voters could trust the NDP after the alleged broken promise, arguing that the province needs a change in government. Doerkson also cr
lng-canada-to-proceed-with-phase-2-expansion-in-b-c
BCSep 29, 2026

LNG Canada to Proceed with Phase 2 Expansion in B.C.

LNG Canada says it will proceed with its Phase 2 expansion at its liquefied natural gas export terminal in Kitimat, B.C. The project will double the facility’s capacity to 28 million tonnes per year. The expansion is among five initial projects referred to Ottawa’s Major Projects Office last year. LNG Canada CEO Chris Cooper said the project will create thousands of jobs and further strengthen Canada’s role as a trusted energy partner. LNG Canada’s first phase began shipping liquefied natural gas last year. The project is a joint venture involving Shell, Malaysia’s Petronas, PetroChi
CanadaSep 29, 2026

Canada Extends Ebola Travel Restrictions for 60 Days

The Canadian government has extended travel and immigration restrictions linked to the Ebola outbreak in Africa for another 60 days, until November 27, 2026. The measures apply to travellers and citizens from Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Visa processing and travel documents for affected applicants will remain suspended. Under the restrictions, foreign nationals who have been in the DRC within the previous 21 days will not be allowed to board flights to Canada. Travellers arriving from Uganda and South Sudan must undergo a mandatory 21-day quarantine after arr
canadas-economy-stalls-in-july-2026-after-three-months-of-growth
CanadaSep 29, 2026

Canada’s Economy Stalls in July 2026 After Three Months of Growth

Canada’s economy remained flat in July 2026 after three consecutive months of solid growth, with declines in manufacturing and the oil, gas and mining sectors weighing on overall activity. According to Statistics Canada, manufacturing output fell 0.9%, while the oil, gas and mining sector declined 0.5%. These declines were offset by gains in construction, which grew 1.3%, and public services, which increased 1.7%. Statistics Canada’s preliminary estimate suggests the economy could rebound by 0.2% in August. However, Deloitte Canada has lowered its 2027 GDP growth forecast from 2% to 1.6%,
doug-ford-urges-albertans-to-stay-part-of-canada
CanadaSep 29, 2026

Doug Ford Urges Albertans to Stay Part of Canada

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has urged Albertans to remain part of Canada, saying the country needs unity more than ever. Speaking alongside Alberta Premier Danielle Smith at an industry conference in Calgary, Ford discussed the economy and energy policies before telling attendees that he has a great deal of love for the people of Alberta and that keeping the country together is especially important at this time. Alberta is set to hold a referendum next month on whether the province should remain in Canada or move toward another binding referendum on separation.

Related News