Salma Lakhani has been named by the Liberal government as the next lieutenant-governor of Alberta, thereby making her the first-ever Muslim to achieve that feat in the history of Canada.
Lakhani has resided in Edmonton for over 40 years, after her family was told to leave Uganda in 1972. The Ismaili Muslim has served as a community advocate that concentrated on issues like education, immigration, health care and human rights. According to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office, she has “dedicated her life to helping people in need and those who face obstacles to success in our society.”
Lakhani will be the nineteenth person to emerge as Alberta’s Lieutenant-Governor since Alberta was found in 1905. She will take over from Lois Mitchell, who emerged as Alberta’s Lieutenant-Governor following the appointment by former Governor General David Johnston in 2015.
In a written statement, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: “Ms. Lakhani is devoted to supporting people in her community, from new immigrants and young people, to women and families. 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.”
She has supported many non-profit and human rights organizations like the Aga Khan Foundation Canada, Kids Kottage, the Lois Hole Hospital for Women, and Sorrentino’s Compassion House.
In 2005, Lakhani won the Alberta Centennial Medal and won the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for her meritorious work in the community. Also, she assumed a mentorship role under NorQuest College’s Youth in Transition program.
