On 30 June 2020, Salma Lakhani was named as the next Lieutenant Governor of Alberta by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The first Muslim to be appointed as Alberta’s 19th Lieutenant governor.
Salma Lakhani is a business owner and a community advocate, and she is the first-ever Muslim lieutenant governor ever appointed in Canada’s history.
“Ms. Lakhani is devoted to supporting people in her community, from new immigrants and young people to women and families,” – Justin Trudeau
“Ms. Lakhani is devoted to supporting people in her community, from new immigrants and young people to women and families,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday in a news release announcing the appointment.
“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.“
“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, Lakhani is a founding member of a movement that helps vulnerable women access education, She was a founding member of ‘NorQuest College’s 1000 Women: A Million Possibilities’ movement and has been on its advisory committee and board for the past decade.
Born in Uganda
Salma Lakhani was born in Uganda and has an honours degree in clinical biochemistry from the University of Manchester.
She has been in Edmonton for more than 40 years, owning and operating an early childhood education centre.
In 2005, she was awarded the Alberta Centennial Medal for outstanding achievements in the province. And in 2012, she was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal honouring service to Canada.
Lieutenant-governors, the highest-ranking officers in each province, carry out a variety of official duties including swearing in the premier and cabinet, opening each session of the legislative assembly and signing bills into laws.
Trudeau thanked outgoing lieutenant-governor Lois Mitchell for her dedication and service to the people of Alberta.
