Carney appoints former war crimes prosecutor as Canada governor general
Mark Carney has appointed former Supreme Court justice and UN war crimes prosecutor Louise Arbour as Canada's new governor general. She will serve as the representative of King Charles III and carry out ceremonial and constitutional duties, including serving as commander-in-chief of the Canadian Armed Forces. Arbour, aged 79, is the oldest person appointed to the role and succeeds Mary Simon, who focused on Indigenous reconciliation and environmental issues.
- ▪Louise Arbour served as a justice on Canada's Supreme Court and as UN high commissioner for human rights.
- ▪She was chief prosecutor for international tribunals on war crimes in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, leading to the indictment of Slobodan Milošević.
- ▪Arbour led an independent review of the Canadian military in 2021, recommending reforms on sexual misconduct and institutional culture.
- ▪She is the oldest person ever appointed governor general of Canada, at age 79.
- ▪Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized her commitment to strong, accountable institutions in his announcement.
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Mark Carney walks with Louise Arbour to announce her as the new governor general during an event in Ottawa on Tuesday. Photograph: Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via APView image in fullscreenMark Carney walks with Louise Arbour to announce her as the new governor general during an event in Ottawa on Tuesday. Photograph: Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via APCanadaCarney appoints former supreme court judge as Canada’s new governor generalLouise Arbour will serve as Canada’s representative of King Charles and carry out ceremonial and constitutional dutiesLeyland Cecco in TorontoTue 5 May 2026 12.23 EDTLast modified on Tue 5 May 2026 12.33 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleCanada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, has appointed a former supreme court justice and war crimes prosecutor as the…
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