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Louise Arbour Sworn in as Canada’s 31st Governor General

(MENAFN) Former UN judge and international jurist Louise Arbour was officially installed as Canada’s 31st governor general on Monday, with Prime Minister Mark Carney praising her long career in public service and dedication to justice, accountability, and human rights.

During the ceremony in Ottawa, Carney described the governor general as a key protector of Canada’s democratic institutions, constitutional order, and national principles.

“The Governor General is the steward of the values we cherish, of the democracy that we celebrate, of the Constitution that protects our freedoms,” Carney said.

He noted that Arbour’s career, spanning more than 50 years, has been guided by the principle that institutions must remain accountable and that human dignity should be safeguarded under all circumstances.

In her inaugural remarks, Arbour stressed the importance of maintaining room for diverse opinions within democratic societies, cautioning that “extreme polarization is dangerous, so is extreme consensus.”

She emphasized the role of public institutions—including schools, courts, and legislatures—in fostering constructive debate and managing differences peacefully. Arbour also highlighted the importance of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as a framework for protecting democratic values and civil liberties.

Looking beyond domestic issues, she said Canada’s influence on the world stage would depend partly on the goals it sets and achieves at home, arguing that national ambitions should be pursued with a long-term perspective.

Arbour now serves as the representative of King Charles III in Canada. The office of governor general traces its roots to the colonial era, while Vincent Massey became the first Canadian-born holder of the position in 1952.

Governors general in Canada typically serve five-year terms and carry out largely ceremonial and constitutional responsibilities while remaining politically neutral.

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