Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Tuesday the retired Supreme Court justice will replace Mary Simon, who became Canada's first Indigenous viceregal in 2021.

Arbour, an accomplished former jurist, is fluently bilingual, and has also previously served as UN human rights commissioner and chief prosecutor at The Hague.

King Charles approved Arbour's appointment, which is the first since he took the throne in 2022.

The governor general is the King's representative in Canada, a constitutional role that includes serving as commander-in-chief while representing Canada at home and abroad.

The swearing-in ceremony typically includes an address from the new governor general highlighting the themes she will prioritize during her mandate.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 7, 2026.