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 | |
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ᒥᐊᓕ ᓴᐃᒪᓐ | |
Simon in 2022 | |
| 30th Governor General of Canada | |
| Assumed office July 26, 2021 | |
| Monarchs | |
| Prime Minister | Justin Trudeau |
| Preceded by | Julie Payette |
| 13th President of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami | |
| In office 2006–2012 | |
| Preceded by | Jose Kusugak |
| Succeeded by | Terry Audla |
| Canadian Ambassador to Denmark | |
| In office August 11, 1999 – January 15, 2002 | |
| Prime Minister | Jean Chrétien |
| Preceded by | Brian Baker |
| Succeeded by | Alfonso Gagliano |
| Canadian Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs | |
| In office October 31, 1994 – January 19, 2004 | |
| Prime Minister | Jean Chrétien |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Jack Anawak |
| Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference | |
| In office 1986–1992 | |
| President |
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| Preceded by | Hans-Pavia Rosing |
| Succeeded by | Caleb Pungowiyi |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Mary Jeannie May August 21, 1947 Fort Severight, Quebec, Canada |
| Spouses | |
| Children | 3 |
| Relatives | Johnny May (brother) |
| Residence | Rideau Hall |
| Education |
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| Occupation |
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| 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.