Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday announced Salma Lakhani as Alberta’s 19th lieutenant governor, the first Muslim to occupy the office in Canada’s history.
As an immigrant to Canada from her home country of Uganda, Lakhani’s family was expelled in 1972, according to a biography on the Government of Canada website. After moving to Edmonton, Lakhani took on a mentorship role with young students who did not speak English as their first language.
She’s also done work to advance women’s rights, health care, education and championed new immigrants, the government said in a statement.
“As Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, I know she will serve the people of her province and our country well, and continue to be a source of inspiration for all Canadians,†said Trudeau.
She will replace outgoing Lt. Gov. Lois Mitchell, who has served in the role since June 2015.
Lieutenant governors are appointed by Canada’s governor general and serve as representatives of Queen Elizabeth II in their provinces, granting Royal Assent to provincial legislation. (CTV News)