Sask. Lt. Gov. shares common goal for reconciliation with new Governor-General Mary Simon
Saskatchewan’s Lieutenant Governor said the installation of Canada’s first Indigenous Governor-General is a step in the right direction for Canadians.
Russ Mirasty, the first Indigenous person to represent the Queen in Saskatchewan, was struck by the significance of the historic swearing-in.
“The reality, both for myself and her, to have an Indigenous person occupy these high levels of government within the country.”
Mary Simon, a prominent Inuk leader and former ambassador, became Canada’s 30th Governor-General on Monday.
Simon has played several key roles in advancing Inuit culture, as well as social, environmental, and human rights as an advocate and negotiator.
In her first remarks, Simon pledged to play a role in the rethinking she says is needed when it comes to reconciliation.
Mirasty said building a bridge to reconciliation is a goal he and Simon share.
“It is a lofty goal, but I think the point there is she’s willing to tackle that and take it on as I have,” he said. “It’s really up to individuals to do our part but because she in her position kind of has the ability to influence a broader range of people.”
Mirasty said the highlight of the role as Queen’s representative is getting into the community to speak with people face to face about their work and passions, and it’s something he looks forward to resuming now that COVID-19 restrictions have lifted.
“The province is so diverse, and so many people offering many things on an individual basis,” Mirasty said. “It gives me great joy to see that and gives me hope for the future.
“When we talk about reconciliation it’s a difficult journey but what I see from people is a willingness to try to understand."
Last week as governor general-designate Simon had her first audience with the Queen, held virtually.
As governor-general, Simon will play a crucial role in constitutional matters and within minority governments when it comes to questions of confidence and calling elections, a duty she may be called to fulfill sooner rather than later with the ongoing speculation that there will be an election call in August.
With files from CTVNews.ca’s Rachel Aiello.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.