Former astronaut Julie Payette sworn in as new Governor General
By Contributor
Julie Payette was sworn in Monday as Canada’s new Governor General and representative of the Queen.
The ceremony was attended by Kootenay-Columbia MP Wayne Stetski.
“It was a pleasure meeting Governor General Payette,” Stetski said. “She is a former astronaut, engineer, and business owner who speaks six languages. Her life experiences will serve Canadians well as she carries out her many roles.”
Stetski said that the Governor General plays an important part in Canada’s governance.
“Many people don’t realize that our federal government has three parts: the House of Commons, the Senate, and the Governor General,” he said. “After the Commons and Senate have adopted legislation, it’s the Governor General who signs it in a ceremony called “Royal Assent”.”
“The Governor General also opens new sittings of Parliament by reading the Speech from the Throne; she liaises with the offices of the Queen and the royal family; and she takes on many ceremonial duties across the country,” Stetski said.
