Mary Simon is 79 years old as of October 2026. She was born on 21 August 1947.
Quick facts
Date of birth21 August 1947
Age79
NationalityCanadian
BirthplaceKangiqsualujjuaq, Canada
Editor's Take:
Mary Simon's importance rests on two careers that fed into each other. First came decades of Inuit political work, from regional organisations in northern Quebec to constitutional talks in the 1980s and 1990s. Then came diplomacy, where she helped shape the Arctic Council so that indigenous peoples had a seat in circumpolar affairs. Her appointment as governor general in 2021 carried symbolic weight, as the first Indigenous person in the role. It also drew criticism, notably over her limited French and the cost of some travel. Her tenure spanned the Queen's death and King Charles III's accession.
Key Milestones
1978: Elected vice-president, later president, of the Makivik Corporation
1996: The Ottawa Declaration formally established the Arctic Council she had helped negotiate
2021: Installed as the 30th Governor General of Canada
2022: Signed the proclamation of King Charles III's accession after Queen Elizabeth II's death
2026: Ended her term and was succeeded by Louise Arbour
Mary Jeannie May Simon (born August 21, 1947) is a Canadian civil servant, diplomat, and former broadcaster who served as the 30th governor general of Canada from 2021 to 2026. She is Inuk on her mother's side, making her the first Indigenous person to hold the office.
