Julie Payette to become Canada's 29th Governor-General
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-40598483
Julie Payette to become Canada's 29th Governor-General
Former astronaut to become the Queen's representative in Canada this autumn
Quote:
Originally Posted by BBC News
Former astronaut Julie Payette has been tapped by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to be Canada's next Viceroy. Mr Trudeau announced the nomination on Thursday, after considering both francophone and aboriginal candidates for the largely ceremonial role.
Ms Payette, 54, will take over as the Queen's representative in Canada when David Johnston retires in September after serving 7 years as Viceroy. She was the first Canadian on the International Space Station, and speaks six languages, including French. "What a great day," Ms Payette said when her nomination was officially announced. Mr Trudeau called her "unquestionably qualified".
Ms Payette would be Canada's 29th governor general since confederation in 1867, and the fourth woman.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BBC News
As the Queen's representative in Canada, the governor general:
- is Canada's official head of state in her absence
- has the power to give a throne speech and suspend parliament
- gives royal assent to legislation
- swears in the prime minister
- is commander-in-chief of the Canadian Armed Forces
Her predecessor, Mr Johnston, was a Harvard alum who spent decades in academia before being appointed in 2010. He is scheduled to retire this autumn, after his final visit with the Queen next week, when he visits the UK. Ms Payette's appointment continues the tradition of alternating between anglophone and francophone governors general, although Mr Trudeau had also considered appointing an indigenous representative.
Interesting, I expected Trudeau to pick a minority candidate purely for PC reasons.
Let's hope she's better than the last three female Canadian Viceroys.
Thoughts?
