Louise Arbour named Governor General

Prime Minister Mark Carney has officially named retired Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour as Canada's next Governor General.

Arbour, a distinguished jurist who previously served as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, will be the 31st person to hold the vice-regal position.

Her appointment has been widely praised across the political spectrum as a return to a more traditional, non-partisan approach to the role.

Arbour is expected to be formally sworn in next month, succeeding Mary Simon at a time of significant constitutional debate in Canada.