The upcoming appointment of Canada’s new governor general is expected to be announced by the prime minister on Tuesday, as revealed by sources to CBC News. It is anticipated that Mark Carney’s choice will be proficient in both English and French, with indications pointing to the appointee being a woman.
Traditionally, the official announcement of the new governor general is made subsequent to the King’s formal endorsement of the prime minister’s selection. This nomination is significant for Carney, marking his most prominent decision since assuming office last year.
Currently, Mary Simon, the incumbent governor general, is nearing the conclusion of her five-year tenure at Rideau Hall. Simon, who made history as the first Indigenous individual to hold this position, has focused her efforts on promoting reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, advocating for mental health destigmatization, diversity, and environmental conservation.
Despite her commendable efforts, Simon has faced criticisms for her limited proficiency in French, having primarily spoken English and Inuktitut during her term. The government had allocated over $52,000 for 324 hours of French language classes for Simon, who, despite efforts, did not achieve fluency in French.
Carney, in an interview with Radio-Canada, emphasized the necessity for the next governor general to be fully bilingual. Liberal MP Jonathan Wilkinson acknowledged the importance of French proficiency for the King’s representative in Canada, citing the need to ensure the comfort of francophone Canadians.
Varying Terms of Office
Governors general typically serve a five-year term, although this duration can be extended or curtailed. Notably, David Johnston held office for seven years, while Julie Payette resigned during her third year following a damning workplace review.
Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reinstated an advisory committee on vice-regal appointments to recommend Mary Simon after facing backlash for not utilizing the committee during Julie Payette’s appointment. However, it remains unclear if Mark Carney consulted this advisory committee for his recommendation.