OTTAWA — Former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour became Canada's 31st Governor General on Monday, bearing warnings about artificial intelligence and failing Canadian youth. In her first address to dignitaries in the Senate, she called on Canadians not to let fear of differences hinder building a better Canada.
Warnings on Polarization and Consensus
Arbour emphasized the dangers of extreme polarization but also cautioned against extreme consensus. She stated, "It is through our differences and our fundamental right to express them that we will nourish critical thinking, creativity, and innovation. It is through our differences that we will build a common future."
Protecting Institutions
She stressed the importance of protecting institutions where diverse views can be expressed, including schools, media, courtrooms, and art disciplines. Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed this sentiment, calling respect for institutions "vital" and urging Canadians to share perspectives and work for the common good.
Arbour's Background
Arbour, 79, reflected on her life experiences, from being raised and taught by women in Montreal to working in male-dominated legal fields and advocating for human rights internationally. She noted that her work exposed her to a great diversity of perspectives, building relationships with people who seemingly had nothing in common with her.
A Lesson in Bias
She shared a personal story about confronting her own biases. While standing outside the United Nations headquarters in New York in the 1990s, she encountered a group of Chinese tourists. When she asked a young woman about her impressions of New York, the woman replied that the city was "so old." Arbour realized she had projected a story onto the woman, imagining her from a centuries-old civilization, while the woman likely came from a futuristic city like Shanghai.
Arbour said she is prepared to be surprised and confronted by her own stereotypes and unconscious biases in her viceregal role. She thanked Prime Minister Mark Carney and King Charles III for entrusting her with the opportunity to serve another great Canadian institution, and praised her predecessor Mary Simon for her remarkable service.
