Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced today (June 30) the appointment of Salma Lakhani as the new Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. 

As Lieutenant Governor, Lakhani will represent The Queen in Alberta and grant Royal Assent to provincial laws. She will succeed the Honourable Lois Mitchell. 

Trudeau said about Lakhani, “Ms. Lakhani is devoted to supporting people in her community, from new immigrants and young people, to women and families. 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.” 

Lakhani was born in Uganda and has lived in Edmonton since 1977.  

According to the release from the Prime Minister’s office, Lakhani has had a tremendous impact on her community. 

“A long-time community advocate and successful business owner, Ms. Lakhani has dedicated her life to helping people in need and those who face obstacles to success in our society. Through her work to advance education, health care, women’s empowerment, human rights, and support for new immigrants, she continues to be a champion of diversity, pluralism, and inclusion. 

“An immigrant to Canada, she has mentored young students with English as a second language. She is a founding member of a movement that helps vulnerable women access education, and has served on its advisory committee for the past decade.” 

Lakhani will be the first Muslim Lieutenant Governor in Canadian history.