Carney appoints former supreme court justice as Canada’s governor general

Prime Minister Mark Carney has made a significant choice in appointing Louise Arbour as Canada's next Governor General. This selection underscores a commitment to global institutions and Canada's role on the international stage. Arbour's extensive experience as a jurist, war crimes prosecutor, and UN commissioner makes her exceptionally qualified to represent King Charles III and, by extension, Canada, to both Canadians and the world.

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Louise Arbour will represent the best of Canada to Canadians and to the world. A country that’s a bastion of security, prosperity and justice – a beacon to a world lost at sea. A Canada that is clear-eyed about the challenges we face and steadfast in the values we uphold.

Carney's remarks emphasize Arbour's embodiment of Canadian values: security, prosperity, and justice. He positions her as a beacon in a troubled world, a leader who understands current challenges and remains steadfast in upholding core principles. This appointment marks a shift from the tenure of Mary Simon, who focused on Indigenous reconciliation and environmental causes, signaling a renewed emphasis on global engagement and legal expertise.

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As Mary Simon has, Louise Arbour will represent the best of Canada to Canadians and the world.

At 79, Arbour's appointment as the oldest to hold the office is noteworthy. Her career, from teaching law to serving on the Supreme Court and leading international tribunals, demonstrates a profound dedication to justice. Her work, particularly in prosecuting war crimes in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, and leading to the indictment of Slobodan Milošević, highlights her significant impact on international law and accountability. This legacy is precisely what Carney seeks to project as representative of Canada's best qualities.

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The conviction that institutions are the load-bearing walls of a civil society – and that they remain trustworthy only as long as someone is willing to hold them accountable.

The Governor General's role, combining ceremonial and constitutional duties, including Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces, will be filled by a figure with a deep understanding of institutional integrity. Arbour's previous review of Canada's military culture and her recommendations for reform further attest to her commitment to accountability. Her appointment is not just about holding office, but about the lives changed through her service, a testament to her impactful career.

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Louise Arbour has held nearly every office a Canadian jurist can hold, and several that no Canadian had held before.