Mary Simon. Photo Government of Canada website.

Canada has a new Governor General, the first ever with an Indigenous background.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement Tuesday morning.

“On my recommendation, her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, has approved the appointment of Mary Simon, as the 30th Governor General of Canada,” Trudeau said.

Simon, an Inuk Leader, is an officer in the Order of Canada, and is a current fellow with the Arctic Institute of North America.

The position became vacant after Julie Payette resigned after allegations of a toxic work environment in her vice-regal office.

(GX94)