New Governor General

By Shirley Feng

Julie Payette is being installed as the 29^th Governor General of Canada in a special ceremony today.

Payette used to work for the Canadian Space Agency. The former astronaut was the first Canadian female to board the International Space Station in 1999. She went on a second space flight in 2009.

Payette was also a business woman. She used to be vice-president for the Canada Lands Company. She  is also known for being an engineer and scientific broadcaster,  has 27 honorary doctorates  and can speak six languages fluently.

The installation ceremony is being held inside the Senate Chamber on Parliament Hill. Next will be the military honors and then Payette will lay flowers at the National War Memorial. Following the ceremony  will be an evening reception at the Canadian Museum of History.

“ Over her lifetime, Ms. Payette has represented Canada with pride, and will continue to do so in her new role as the 29th Governor General of Canada,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

Joly encouraged all Canadians to watch the ceremony.

Payette’s predecessor David Johnston reflected on the last seven years he has served Canada in this position.

“It is my hope that in our efforts to connect, honor and inspire Canadians, Sharon and I have helped to build a smarter, more caring country for all—a country where all people have the opportunity to succeed and contribute, as we have been so privileged to do,” Johnston.

“Canada is a constantly evolving work-in-progress, one based upon the notion that diverse people can live and work together to build an ever more inclusive, innovative, fair and just society.”

The installation of the new Governor General can be watched on the Canadian Heritage Facebook page and it is also being broadcast live on television.