Louise Arbour installed as Canada’s 31st governor general

Former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour has been installed as Canada’s 31st governor general Monday during a ceremony.

The function included military salutes, a poetry reading by the Parliamentary poet laureate and musical performances.

Arbour replaces Mary Simon, the first Indigenous governor general.

The president of an Inuit rights organization says he’s proud of how Simon used her time in office to successfully balance her dual duties as an Inuk woman and the Crown’s representative in Canada.

The guest list for today’s ceremony at the Senate building in Ottawa include outgoing Governor General Mary Simon, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak.

READ MORE: Carney names former Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour governor general

During this observance, Arbour delivered her first speech to the Canadian people as governor general and Carney shared remarks.

“At every stage of her distinguished career, Her Excellency Louise Arbour has defended and promoted justice, dignity and equality,” Carney says.

“When I am called upon to represent Canada beyond our borders or to welcome foreign dignitaries here at home, it is this diversity of Canadian voices that I intend to showcase,” Arbour says.

Following her installation ceremony, Arbour visited the National War Memorial to place flowers on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

With Files From The Canadian Press

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