This woman is more influential than Trudeau and Parliament

Photo: Cpl Valerie Mailhot, Rideau Hall, OSGG-BSGG

Recently, we wrote an article about how Mary addressed Canadians. Not all of our readers, and not all Canadians, understand who this sweet gray-haired woman who looks like an elementary school teacher is. In fact, she is the most influential person in Canada, who can dismiss Justin Trudeau and the entire Parliament, and has the same powers as the King. She is a prominent figure not only for her native Canada, but also for Britain.

Even under the late Queen Elizabeth, Simon was honored with a great privilege — she was elected Governor General of Canada. Yes, according to its political structure, Canada remains a monarchy that is subordinate to the British Crown. The Governor General is the head of the executive branch of the country, who reports only to the King or Queen. Next in line is the King's Privy Council for Canada, and only then the Prime Minister and Parliament. So Justin Trudeau is not the top person in Canada. The most important person in the country after the King is Inuk Mary Simon.

As a representative of the ruling monarch, the Governor General under the English Crown has almost unlimited powers. They have all the rights of the monarch and can "borrow" the royal power in the interests of the ruler and the people of the country. For example, the Governor General can dismiss the Prime Minister. Such cases are rare, but they have occurred in the past century.

Now Simon is 75 years old, but she still retains her brilliant mind and energy. Canadians treat her well: she is known for her diplomatic and human rights activities, balanced decisions, and a willingness to compromise. She knows how to be uncompromising in matters of Canada's well-being, and soft when it comes to reaching an agreement among the country's residents.

She was born in the Inuit village of Kangiqsualujjuaq near Quebec, in a family of 8 children. Her father was an Anglo-Saxon, and her mother was an Inuk. The family led a traditional way of life for this northern people. Mary hunted a lot, caught fish, and managed a natural economy. She can speak the native language and knows the traditional Inuit crafts. Even at her advanced age, she can shoot a deer, cook a dish from its meat, and make clothes from its skin. She led local organizations that protect the rights of indigenous peoples, worked as a journalist on the radio, and was Canada's ambassador to Denmark.

Simon replaced Julie Payette, who was disliked by both subordinates and ordinary Canadians. The former Governor General bullied and insulted her staff, ultimately resigning due to a "toxic work environment." No one complains about Mary, in fact, she enjoys boundless respect from colleagues and politicians around the world.

After her appointment, Mary faced a wave of hatred from racists and sexists, but she fought back against the mean comments and continued to do her job, ignoring the discontent of others. Over time, even the most fervent critics began to respect the "thick-skinned" and calm confidence of this woman.

As early as 1988, she visited the Soviet Union as part of a delegation of northern peoples and was well-liked by both the population of Chukotka and Soviet authorities. Canadians love her for her ability to find common ground "even with communists."

Mostly, this woman remains in the shadows and quietly performs her job. Her main task is to correct historical injustice, resolve conflicts between indigenous people and migrants in Canada, establish good neighborliness and mutual respect in society. Of course, it is also her duty to always and everywhere defend Canada before the King, act in the interests of her country, and try to get as many "perks" for it as possible.