Former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour was named as Canada’s next governor general and will take over from Mary Simon in July, Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Tuesday.
Here’s a list of all governors generals who have served in Canada since Confederation.
Louise Arbour: Appointment announced May 5, 2026
Mary Simon: 2021-2026
Julie Payette: 2017-2021
David Johnston: 2010-2017
Michaëlle Jean: 2005-2010
Adrienne Clarkson: 1999-2005
Roméo LeBlanc: 1995-1999
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Ramon Hnatyshyn: 1990-1995
Jeanne Sauvé: 1984-1990
Edward Schreyer: 1979-1984
Jules Léger: 1974-1979
Roland Michener: 1967-1974
Georges Vanier: 1959-1967
Vincent Massey: 1952-1959
Note: Massey was the first Canadian-born appointee. All governors general since 1952 have been Canadian.
Lord Alexander: 1946-1952
Lord Athlone: 1940-1946
Lord Tweedsmuir: 1935-1940
Lord Bessborough: 1931-1935
Lord Willingdon: 1926-1931
Lord Byng: 1921-1926
Duke of Devonshire: 1916-1921
Duke of Connaught: 1911-1916
Lord Grey: 1904-1911
Lord Minto: 1898-1904
Lord Aberdeen: 1893-1898
Lord Stanley: 1888-1893
The Marquess of Lansdowne: 1883-1888
Lord Lorne: 1878-1883
Lord Dufferin: 1872-1878
Lord Lisgar: 1869-1872
Lord Monck: 1867-1868
© 2026 The Canadian Press
