It’s now official: former astronaut Julie Payette will be Canada’s next governor general.
The announcement was made today by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who says Payette’s life has been one ‘dedicated to discovery, to dreaming big and to always staying focused on the things that matter most.’ He calls her ‘unquestionably qualified’ for this role.
Payette says that this task requires following in the ‘footsteps of giants’:
“Governor general David Johnston has been an engaging force, and a pillar of wisdom the last seven years. He will not be easily replaced,” says Payette. “Fortunately I have known him for a long time and I look forward to interacting with him and to tap into that wisdom and that knowledge so I can start this new role.”
Payette says it will be a pleasure to travel to meet with and interact with Canadians of all backgrounds.
Payette is the first Canadian to visit the International Space Station and served as chief astronaut of the Canadian Space Agency from 2000 to 2007. She retired from the CSA in 2013 to become chief operating officer of the Montreal Science Centre and vice-president of the Canada Lands company.