Louise Arbour installed as Canada’s 31st Governor General
The former Supreme Court justice and UN human rights commissioner took office on 8 June during a ceremony in Ottawa.
Louise Arbour was installed as Canada’s 31st Governor General on 8 June 2026 during a ceremony in the Senate Chamber in Ottawa.
Arbour succeeded Mary Simon as the representative of King Charles III in Canada. Her appointment had been approved by the King on the recommendation of Prime Minister Mark Carney, announced on 5 May.
A former Supreme Court of Canada justice, Arbour served on the court from 1999 to 2004 and was United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2004 to 2008.
Following the installation ceremony, she inspected a guard of honour and laid flowers at the National War Memorial before travelling to Rideau Hall.
Source: CanCham Cambodia newsletter, July 2026, page 4; Governor General of Canada; Governor General of Canada; Prime Minister’s announcement.