Outgoing Governor General Mary Simon leaves behind a complex and turbulent legacy at Rideau Hall. Appointed by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2021, she was Canada's first Indigenous governor general. On Monday, Simon departed the viceregal estate in Ottawa for the last time, succeeded by Louise Arbour, a Montreal-born former Supreme Court justice who was installed as Canada's 31st governor general.
Controversies Mark Tenure
Simon's tenure was notable for being a significant step toward reconciliation, but it was also overshadowed by her lack of French fluency and high-profile spending controversies. Born in Kuujjuaq in the Quebec Arctic, Simon spoke English and Inuktitut but not French. Despite a 20-year career in Canada's foreign ministry and a stint as ambassador to Denmark, she never learned French. Her appointment prompted over 1,300 complaints to the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages. Former commissioner Raymond Theberge ruled that the appointment did not violate the Official Languages Act, as governors general are not covered by the legislation.
French Lessons and Spending
Simon committed to learning French upon her appointment, leading to hundreds of hours of private tutoring costing taxpayers over $52,000. However, during a 2024 visit to Quebec City, she spoke almost no French, prompting her handlers to cut the visit short. This lack of French led Prime Minister Mark Carney to state that Canada's next governor general must be fluent in both official languages. Spending controversies also arose, particularly regarding a $100,000 in-flight catering bill for an eight-day tour of the Middle East in 2022, which included beef wellington and beef carpaccio. Questions were also raised about a $130,000 clothing allowance and a nearly $400,000 annual salary.
Farewell Address
In her farewell address, Simon expressed gratitude and emphasized reconciliation. She stated, 'I believe in the importance of strengthening relationships and deepening understanding among all peoples, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike. Reconciliation belongs to all of us. It is not only about acknowledging the past, but also about shaping our shared future.' She leaves office with a mixed legacy, having broken barriers as the first Indigenous governor general while facing criticism over language and spending.
