YWCA Metro Vancouver CEO Janet Austin named as new B.C. lieutenant-governor

by Carlito Pablo on March 20th, 2018 at 10:06 AM

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B.C. is getting a new lieutenant-governor.

Janet Austin, CEO of YWCA Metro Vancouver, has been named as the next representative of the Queen in the province.

Judith Guichon will remain lieutenant-governor until Austin is installed.

“As someone who has dedicated her career to championing women's equality and social change, she is a wonderful choice to represent Her Majesty The Queen in this great province,” Guichon said in a statement.

Canadian provinces have lieutenant-governors. They perform ceremonial and constitutional duties. These include swearing in governments, opening sessions of provincial assemblies, granting royal assent to provincial bills, and handing out awards and honours.

Judith Guichon will remain B.C. lieutenant-governor until her successor is installed.

Austin’s appointment was announced Tuesday (March 20) by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“Her advocacy work has helped countless Canadians, and makes her an excellent choice as British Columbia’s next lieutenant-governor,” Trudeau said in a statement.

Austin was raised in Calgary, where she completed a degree in English.

She's a former executive director of the Big Sisters of B.C. Lower Mainland.