Kathmandu, July 7. On Tuesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed that the British Queen approved his proposal for indigenous leader Mary Simon to be Canada’s 30th governor-general.

On January 22, Julie Payette resigned from the post after being heavily criticized for creating a hostile work environment at the office of the governor-general. Since then, the seat of governor-general has been vacant.

Governor-general is one of the most reputed positions in Canada, as the chairholder also serves as commander-in-chief of the Canadian Armed Forces. 

Mary Simon

Mary Simon is the former president of the national Inuit organization “Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami” and the National Inuit Education Committee. 

She started her career as a radio host. Between 1999 and 2002, Simon served as a Canadian Ambassador to Denmark. In 2002, and 2003, Simon became the seventh chancellor of Trent University in Canada. 

Simon has always been admired for her efforts in advocating for Inuit rights and culture. As an arctic ambassador, she also worked with the federal government of Canada on indigenous-related policies such as first land claims.

This is not the first time Simon was recommended for the post of Governor-General. Earlier in 2010, Simon was on the shortlist for Governor-General of Canada. David Johnston was ultimately appointed.

With yesterday’s announcement, Mary Simon will be the first Indigenous person to become the governor-general.