Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 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 an Inuk woman and former diplomat, Mary Simon has long been an advocate for Canadian Inuit and Indigenous peoples.

“I believe strongly that if we embrace our common humanity, and shared responsibility for one another, Canada’s brightest days are yet to come.”

- Mary Simon, Governor General Designate.

I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mary Simon. Your words are not only beautiful and timely, but they are - I believe - the embodiment of the spirit that is our Canada.