Governor General Mary Simon. (Image: CPAC video capture)
Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General has used her inaugural speech to promote reconciliation and youth.
Speaking inside the Senate chamber Monday morning, Mary Simon stressed, “My view is that reconciliation is a way of life and requires work every day. Reconciliation is getting to know one another.”
Simon says she will the representative of all Canadians and work with everyone to improve quality of life in our country.
She also said, “As governor general, I am committed to using this moment in our countries history to build on the work of de-stigmatizing mental health, so it is viewed through the same lens as physical ailments and receive the same attention, compassion and understanding.”
She notes, “Addressing mental health and wellness within our families, our schools, our workplaces and our front-line services is hard and necessary work but think of the possibilities for stronger, healthier and more prosperous communities.”
The Queen’s representative in Canada also made a pledge to protect the environment, especially in the far north.
“As governor general, I will promote and recognize leading examples of community and Indigenous-driven conservation and of climate action that are making a real difference and can inspire other Canadians to do the same.”
Mary Simon becomes the 30th governor general since 1867.
