Mary Simon

Mary Jeannie May Simon CC CMM COM OQ CD (in Inuktitut syllabics: ᒥᐊᓕ ᓴᐃᒪᓐ; Inuktitut: Ningiukudluk; born August 21, 1947) is a Canadian civil servant, diplomat, and former broadcaster who has served as the 30th governor general of Canada since July 26, 2021. Simon is Inuk, making her the first Indigenous person to hold the office.

Mary Simon
ᒥᐊᓕ ᓴᐃᒪᓐ
Simon in 2022
30th Governor General of Canada
Assumed office
July 26, 2021
Monarchs
Prime MinisterJustin Trudeau
Preceded byJulie Payette
13th President of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
In office
2006–2012
Preceded byJose Kusugak
Succeeded byTerry Audla
Canadian Ambassador to Denmark
In office
August 11, 1999  January 15, 2002
Prime MinisterJean Chrétien
Preceded byBrian Baker
Succeeded byAlfonso Gagliano
Canadian Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs
In office
October 31, 1994  January 19, 2004
Prime MinisterJean Chrétien
Preceded byPosition established
Succeeded byJack Anawak
Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference
In office
1986–1992
President
Preceded byHans-Pavia Rosing
Succeeded byCaleb Pungowiyi
Personal details
Born
Mary Jeannie May

(1947-08-21) August 21, 1947
Fort Severight, Quebec, Canada
Spouses
Robert Otis
(m. 1967, divorced)
    George Simon
    (divorced)
      (m. 1994)
      Children3
      RelativesJohnny May (brother)
      ResidenceRideau Hall
      Education
      • Kuujjuaq Federal Day School
      • Fort Carson High School
      Occupation
      • Broadcaster
      • public servant
      • diplomat
      Signature

      Simon was born in Fort Severight (now Kangiqsualujjuaq), Quebec. She briefly worked as a producer and announcer for the CBC Northern Service in the 1970s before entering public service, serving on the board of the Northern Quebec Inuit Association and playing a key role in the Charlottetown Accord negotiations. Simon was Canada's first ambassador for circumpolar affairs from 1994 to 2004, as well as a lead negotiator for the creation of the Arctic Council. She also served as the Canadian ambassador to Denmark from 1999 to 2002.

      On July 6, 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada had approved the appointment of Simon as the next governor general of Canada.

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