Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff made the following statement today on the appointment of David Johnston as Canada’s next Governor General:
“I want to congratulate David Johnston for his appointment as Canada’s 28th Governor General.
“David Johnston’s dedication to learning and innovation – which are essential to Canada’s success – combined with his legal expertise and constitutional knowledge makes him an ideal choice for Governor General.
“As a renowned academic and university leader, Dr. Johnston has inspired many Canadians in the classroom and has brought international recognition to Canada’s capacity for science, research and development. As president of the University of Waterloo, principal and vice-chancellor of McGill University, and as a professor at the University of Toronto and University of Western Ontario, he has shown his tremendous dedication to post-secondary education and its role in building an innovative, highly-skilled future for Canada.
“As the Queen’s representative in Canada, the Governor General’s primary task is to perform the Queen’s constitutional duties on her behalf, acting within the principles of Canada’s parliamentary democracy by ensuring continuous and stable governance in a nonpartisan manner. I have full confidence in Mr. Johnston’s ability to perform these duties when he takes over from Governor General Michaëlle Jean in September.
“I would like to offer my gratitude to Governor General Michaëlle Jean for passionately carrying out her duties with grace and dignity. Her heartfelt warmth and kindness touched so many in Canada and abroad. During her five years as the Queen’s representative, she showed her dedication to the arts, Aboriginal Canadians, the Armed Forces, and particularly her native home, Haiti, following this year’s devastating earthquake. She will continue to bring hope and assistance to the people of Haiti in her new role as UNESCO Special Envoy for Haiti.
“On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary Caucus, I would like to sincerely congratulate David Johnston as he prepares for his new role as Governor General.”
