Canada is set to get a new Governor General this fall.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced yesterday that former astronaut Julie Payette will succeed David Johnston as Canada’s Queen’s Representative.
Incoming Governor-General Julie Payette on the International Space Station in 2009. (Photo/NASA)
Payette, who also has degrees in engineering and applied science, did two space shuttle missions in 1999 on Discovery and in 2009 on Endeavor, both of which involved stops at the International Space Station (ISS). In fact, during the first mission, she was part of the first crew that manually docked with the ISS.
And reaction continues to come in, even right here in the Peace Country.
Peace River MLA Debbie Jabbour says as a long-time Trekkie, she’s really excited at the prospect of having Canada’s second female astronaut take on her next challenge.
“When I was a kid, I was very fascinated with (Russian Cosmonaut) Valentina Tereshkova, who was the first woman in space,” Jabbour told the Trending 55 Newsroom. “I think it’s a ground-breaking kind of role, somebody who’s done that. Going out into space is not something a woman would usually do, or anyone for that matter. And to see (Payette) assume her new role, it’s really empowering for woman to have somebody like that as a role model.”
Peace River-Westlock MP Arnold Viersen echoes those sentiments, saying he’s very happy with Payette’s appointment.
“(Payette) brings the best of Canada to this position,” said Viersen. “So I’m very much looking forward to her being our new Governor General.
“I’d also like to take the time to thank David Johnston for the seven years of his life that he’s committed to the position, as well as his wife and family as well,” he added.
The 53-year-old incoming vice-regal can also speak six languages, which include English, French, German, Russian, Spanish and Italian.
“One of the roles that the Governor General does is as an advocate for Canada,” Viersen said. “And I she’ll fulfill that role amazingly, in going around the world to tell everyone how great Canada is in their native languages.”
The Trending 55 Newsroom also spoke to High Level Mayor Crystal McAteer about her opinion about the appointment.
“I think she is a good choice for the position,” said McAteer. “But I think the prime minister missed an opportunity to appoint an indigenous person for the position. I’d like to see this abusive relationship between our government and indigenous people go forward.
“As a Metis woman myself, I know quite a bit about residential schools, and what has happened to the First Nations,” she continued. “I think it’s time to make amends, especially in regards to communities up here in the Mackenzie region.”
– Posted by BET
