NDP Statement on the appointment of the next Governor General of Canada

Tom Mulcair, Leader of the NDP, made the following statement:

"On behalf of the New Democratic Party and Canadians across this country, I applaud the appointment of Julie Payette as the next Governor General of Canada.

Ms. Payette is a superb choice as she embodies some of the very best qualities of Canada. Many of her vast accomplishments are well known, including as a Canadian astronaut, an accomplished engineer, her leadership of the Montreal Science Centre and her recent work with the National Bank, a pillar of the Quebec economy. Ms. Payette has excelled in competitive industries and succeeded to great heights in traditionally male-dominated fields.

She has a great love of the arts and is in fact a concert pianist, as well as being an avid sports enthusiast. Earlier this year, I was delighted by a chance encounter with Ms. Payette on the hills of Mont-Tremblant where she volunteers as a member of the ski patrol.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate His Excellency, David Johnston for exemplary service to Canada and thank him and his wife Sharon for their warmth and grace. While overused in common speech, Mr. Johnson is the literal definition of a gentleman and a scholar.

Some Canadians may be disappointed that today we are not celebrating the appointment of Canada’s first Governor General from First Nation, Inuit, or Metis descent, and I understand and sympathize with those feelings. I also look forward to the near future when, as a step on our path to reconciliation, Canada will be honored with an Indigenous Governor General.

Today is a day to congratulate Ms. Payette and wish her nothing but the very best in her next role as Her Excellency, the Queen’s Official Representative and Governor General of Canada."