Mary Simon, the outgoing Governor General of Canada, said serving as the representative of the Crown was the honour of a lifetime [1].
Her reflections mark the conclusion of a term characterized by the complexities of the Crown's role in modern Canada. As the first Indigenous person to hold the position, Simon's tenure has been a focal point for national discussions on reconciliation, and the evolution of the viceregal office.
Speaking Wednesday in Ottawa during a send-off ceremony for parliamentarians, Simon said she was grateful for her time in the role [1]. She said that serving as the representative of the Crown in Canada for the past five years [1] was a significant personal and professional milestone.
Simon also spoke about the physical and mental toll of the position. She said she wondered halfway through her five-year mandate [2] whether she would be able to complete the full term. She said these doubts were due to her age and the rigorous demands of the job [2].
Despite those challenges, the Governor General said the experience remained a profound privilege. Her address to parliamentarians served as a formal closing to her public service in this capacity, highlighting the weight of the responsibilities associated with the Crown's representation in the country [1].
“It was the “honour of a lifetime” to serve as the representative of the Crown in Canada”
Simon's admission regarding the demands of the office underscores the immense pressure placed on the Governor General, regardless of the role's largely ceremonial nature. Her tenure as the first Indigenous person in the role adds a layer of historical significance to her departure, as the Canadian government continues to navigate its relationship with Indigenous peoples and the enduring presence of the monarchy.
