Louise Arbour has been appointed as Canada’s next governor general, succeeding Mary Simon, who was appointed in 2021.

A Distinguished Legal Career

The 79-year-old Montreal native brings a wealth of experience in law and international justice to the role. Her career began after being called to the bar in Quebec in 1971 and Ontario in 1977.

Early Legal Roles & Inquiries

Arbour initially worked as a professor at York University’s Osgoode Hall law school. She later served on the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in 1987 and the Ontario Court of Appeal in 1990.

In 1995, she led a commission of inquiry into events at the Kingston Prison for Women, highlighting her commitment to addressing systemic issues.

International Criminal Justice

From 1996 to 1999, Arbour served as the chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and for Rwanda. She led investigations and prosecutions of individuals accused of grave international crimes.

Supreme Court & UN High Commissioner

Upon returning to Canada, she was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada by former prime minister Jean Chrétien, serving until 2004.

Following her time on the Supreme Court, Arbour served as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for four years, concluding in 2008, advocating for human rights globally.

Recent Review of Canadian Armed Forces

More recently, she led an independent review into sexual harassment and misconduct within the Canadian Armed Forces, releasing a comprehensive report in 2022 with recommendations for reform.

Assumption of Office & Responsibilities

The formal assumption of duties is anticipated to occur during a ceremony in early June. As governor general, Arbour will represent the Crown and serve as commander-in-chief of Canada’s military.

Arbour expressed her confidence in Canada’s constitutional framework, stating, 'I will accede to a function in which I will be the representative of the Crown in a constitutional arrangement that I think has served Canada extremely well throughout our history…a system that will continue to provide continuity in our institutions and our form of governance.'

The transition from Mary Simon to Louise Arbour is expected to be seamless, ensuring the continued stability of Canada’s viceregal office.