On July 13, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Queen Elizabeth II has approved the appointment of Julie Payette to be Canada’s next Governor General.
What exciting news!!
Julie Payette, a woman (the 4th in Canadian history to be appointed to this honorable role), an astronaut (she flew two missions in space – and 2nd Canadian woman to have flown in space!), engineer (electrical and computer), scientific broadcaster and corporate director.
She is a strong advocate for science but also for the arts (she plays the piano and sings!) She speaks multiple languages..., so basically, she is pretty much the ideal candidate for the position of Governor General to represent Canadians, and to inspire Canadians – and outsiders!
His Excellency, and current Governor General, David Johnston, has said, after the announcement was made about Payette: “...a Canadian of extraordinary achievement, admired by all”.
Indeed she has had extraordinary achievements and was honored numerous times for all that she’s accomplished with multiple honorary doctorates, the recognitions with the National Order of Quebec, the Officer of the Order of Canada, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal are among her titles and prizes.
As a quintessential woman in STEM, with a non-typical career path, with glass-ceiling-shattering ambitions and successes, and such diversity in talents; an appointment for the role of Governor General could not be more inspiring and perfect with Julie Payette holding the title (said to begin in fall of 2017).
I am personally thrilled by this appointment, and proud of my Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a true feminist and STEMinist!
You can read more (here) about Julie Payette and her accomplishments from the Prime Minister’s website.
