Former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour is set to become Canada’s next governor general on June 8. Arbour, known for her distinguished career in the legal field, has held significant positions both domestically and internationally. At 79 years old, she has previously served as the chief prosecutor for the international criminal tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the CEO of the International Crisis Group.
Arbour has been honored with 42 honorary doctorates and is a Companion of the Order of Canada, the country’s highest accolade, in recognition of her groundbreaking legal contributions globally. Prime Minister Mark Carney praised Arbour as a role model for upholding Canada’s values of peace, order, and good governance, emphasizing her role as a guardian of the constitutional order.
Accepting the appointment with a strong sense of responsibility, Arbour expressed her belief in the importance of stable institutions managed with wisdom for the well-being of the country and the world. Carney highlighted her representation of Canada as a nation of security, prosperity, and justice, standing as a beacon of hope in a turbulent world.