Gov. Gen. Mary Simon says the country must find the humility necessary to create a more just society, vowing she will play her role as the country's new representative of the head of state.
Simon officially became Canada's 30th Governor General, and the first Indigenous person to hold the role, during a ceremony Monday morning.
Her maiden speech touched on a number of themes, but she noted the need to rethink how Canadian view reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. "Our society must recognize together our moments of regret, alongside those that give us pride, because it creates space for healing, acceptance and the rebuilding of trust. I will strive to build bridges across the diverse backgrounds and cultures that reflect our great country's uniqueness and promise."
"Clearly, this signals a further step on the path toward reconciliation, with the Indigenous Peoples of Canada starting to find our rightful place in Confederation," said David Chartrand, president of the Manitoba Metis Federation, in a statement on Simon's installation. Trudeau was among the 44 people allowed to witness the ceremony in person as public health guidelines set limits on attendance and mask requirements for all in the chamber.
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