On CTVNews.ca: Royal commentator Richard Berthelsen examines the many challenges Mary Simon will have ahead of her once she becomes governor general, and says the former ambassador and Indigenous leader is the right person for the job.
TORONTO -- History will be made Monday in the Senate chamber as the first Indigenous person takes office as the 30th governor general of Canada.
Chief Justice Wagner has served without fuss in the dual roles of these two high offices and has even seemed to enjoy the responsibility. In a written and video statement, which were posted on the website in the last week, he pointed out some of the highlights of this role such as recognizing Canadians and being a part of the constitutional machinery, which make the government operate.
Since the appointment of an experienced bureaucrat as secretary to the governor general, who is highly familiar with the workings of the machinery of government, the new governor general will be fully supported by the loyal and competent staff at Rideau Hall, as have her predecessors. The source of the only controversy about her nomination is her inability to speak French. The ability to speak both of Canada's official languages has always been an important consideration in national office, and governor-generals since 1940 have had some ability and most were fluent. At least four of the Anglophones who held the position worked hard at French - although they came to the office with some abilities in the language.
The balance she establishes as an Indigenous woman, while also representing the Crown and respecting the role of the prime minister and ministers to be responsible for discharging their duties in implementing the recommendations of the residential schools report will be delicate. However, Canadians are looking for someone to show nonpartisan leadership and provide a focus for healing, and this governor general is well suited to do this as never before.
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