Anita Neville named new lieutenant-governor of Manitoba
Former Liberal member of Parliament Anita Neville has been named Manitoba's next lieutenant-governor.
In announcing the appointment, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Neville has long been a champion for the people of her community, province and country.
"As lieutenant-governor of Manitoba, I know she will continue to make a difference for Manitobans and Canadians. I wish her all the best in her new role," Trudeau said in a news release Monday.
Neville held the Winnipeg South Centre seat from 2000 to 2011, when she lost to Conservative Joyce Bateman.
Neville will be sworn in as Manitoba's 26th lieutenant-governor. She will be the first Jewish lieutenant-governor of Manitoba and the third woman to hold the role.
"The Hon. Neville is active in her community and I am confident she will serve as a formidable lieutenant-governor," said Premier Heather Stefanson in a statement.
Manitoba NDP Opposition Leader Wab Kinew also congratulated Neville on the appointment.
"Her commitment to public service has positioned her well to be an important part of our democracy in Manitoba," Kinew said in a statement.
Neville was born and raised in Winnipeg. She was a longtime member of the Winnipeg School Division Board of Trustees and served five years as its chair. She has also been involved in local organizations and other boards, including the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada and the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council.
Neville sat on various committees during her time in the House of Commons and served as the parliamentary secretary to the minister of Canadian Heritage and the minister responsible for Status of Women.
Neville replaces current Lt.-Gov. Janice Filmon, who has held the position since 2015. Filmon had suggested she would be stepping away during the speech from the throne last November.
Stefanson thanked Filmon and her husband, former premier Gary Filmon, for more than seven years of service as the Queen's representative in Manitoba.
"Her Honour believes in the power of giving back to the community and took great pride in celebrating the achievements and service of inspiring Manitobans," Stefanson said.
"On behalf of all Manitobans, I thank her for her service, kindness and unique ability to bring people together to learn and inspire the next generation."
Lieutenant-governors are appointed by the Governor General of Canada on the recommendation of the prime minister. A shortlist is provided by a non-partisan committee.
Neville tells CTV News the decision was not made overnight.
She says vague talks began months ago with discussions ramping up in June. It was made official last week when the Prime Minister phoned her and she accepted the position. Neville says this is an opportunity for her to continue to serve the public.
“(I’m) very proud, very overwhelmed, like many others when moved into a position you wonder why me?”
Neville says she would like to take an active role beyond the ceremonial duties that come with the job, focusing on education and advancing reconciliation.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 15, 2022.
With files from CTV's Jeff Keele
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.