Global National: July 6, 2021 | Canada’s new governor general makes history

In our top story: Canada’s new governor general, Mary Simon, is making history as the first Indigenous person to be named as the Queen’s representative in Canada. Simon, an Inuk woman, began her career as a journalist and then a diplomat and was Canada’s first ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs and was then made ambassador to Denmark. David Akin reports more about who Simon is and how it comes at a critical moment for Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples.

A major rail announcement is also fuelling speculation of a federal election this year. The Trudeau Liberals revealed plans for a high-frequency rail line between Toronto and Quebec City, with trains hitting speeds up to 200 kilometres an hour and cut travel time by 25 per cent. As Mike Le Couteur reports, while it’s welcome in the much travelled region, it doesn’t help everyone.

A historic agreement was signed Tuesday between the Cowessess First Nation, the province of Saskatchewan and the federal government. It gives the nation jurisdiction over its own child-welfare system. Many advocates say the system has become a proxy for residential schools, with thousands of Indigenous children currently in care. As Heather Yourex-West reports, the First Nation is hoping this agreement will change that.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has asked Canadians to stay home and avoid all non-essential travel outside the country. Testing requirements and quarantine measures made it even more difficult to try and fly away. But many private jets have been going to and from sunshine destinations even while Canadian airlines suspended flights to and from the Caribbean. And some passengers may have been legally able to skip out of staying in a quarantine hotel. As Redmond Shannon reports, jets used by some very high profile names in the past have been racking up the air miles.

A 12-year-old Indigenous boy in Nova Scotia is nearing the finish line of a long, emotional journey. Landyn Toney is wrapping up a six-day walk in honour of residential school victims and survivors and it has resonated. As Ross Lord reports, the simple gesture has struck a real chord with Canadians.

#GlobalNews #CanadaGovernorGeneral #CowessessFirstNation

[robertcarlisle]

If this would of happened any other time I would be amazed. But right after the residential schools she just a pawn for politics.

[BrendanRiley]

Why does it always have to be about one’s ethnicity? Can’t they focus on her INDIVIDUAL attributes?

[viiktorshandor]

ah yes a do nothing job for a do nothing person

[misspoliticallyincorrect]

I'm seriously getting sick of these headlines.

[backtosleep]

She will be great as long as she obeys Justin. Justin doesn't like women who question him.

[oatmealsavage]

Diversity hire, inukshuks on every lawn.

[vikvinyl]

Now that we finally have a new GG, perhaps it's time to call that election so the country can begin to heal with a new PM too.

[kniknayme]

where can I apply for this job? $150k pension + $200k expenses(after retirement) and you basically don't do anything while employed .

[davefreckleton]

This is such a politicall ploy that is so sad .. Well done justin. This should silence all youre indegenouse critics . ohh wait ..no it wont.

[omgness]

What happens though when all this social justice starts putting in unprepared leaders, and people who actually may do a bad job. All just cause they represent a “group”

[hagbard]

The Train? Just another boondoggle to waste taxpayer money.

[uNkLeRaRa]

Playing Identity politics is DISGUSTING

[larrysteve]

Why dont they have a high frequency rail from Calgary to Edmonton oh wait a minute I live in western Canada so I am not a Canadian as the Liberals would call it

[cornstar]

More affirmative action misfits
Looks like a costume party.

[leddred]

I understand this to be true "The Governor-General may dismiss an incumbent Prime Minister and Cabinet, an individual Minister, or any other official who holds office "during the Queen's pleasure" or "during the Governor-General's pleasure". ... The Governor-General can also dissolve Parliament and call elections without Prime Ministerial advice."

[MrFiend]

After having worked Children's Services for 20 years it is my estimate that 95% of kids in care are there because of really sh*tty parents. Regardless of race/creed/religiosity.

[chrisministerofsmartarsery]

Jody Wilson-Raybould was our first female indigenous attorney general. How did that go?

Remember? I do.

[rodrigoalmanza]

A country that doesn't know its past can't build its future. The government can't exclude the indigenous peoples from being part of the future of Canada. Because they already have been part of the past.

[coolbuddydude]

But yet she still calls herself Mary Simon

[areyoukidding]

I hope the decision to chose this woman was on her attributes and not because of residential problems and/or the election. It was said that Trudeau did the picking…just like he picked the last one!! I have nothing against a native woman holding this position and I believe if she is Inuit, I think is great! But please this country does not need anymore country bashing! This position belongs to someone who is proud to be Canadian and will make our country proud!