Lieutenant Governor of Alberta welcomed by 3rd Canadian Division

October 19, 2020 - Ashley Materi, 3rd Canadian Division Public Affairs

On October 14, Her Honour the Honourable Salma Lakhani visited 3rd Canadian Division Support Base Edmonton and the Edmonton Military Family Resource Centre for the first time as Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. She was hosted by Brigadier General (BGen) William Fletcher, commander of 3^rd Canadian Division and Joint Task Force West.

Her Honour and BGen Fletcher are both new to their respective roles, and are eager to continue the tradition of a close working relationship between the Division and the Lieutenant Governor’s office.

“We pride ourselves on our history and heritage; it is part of what defines the Canadian Armed Forces,” said BGen Fletcher. “Having that link, albeit ceremonial, to the Lieutenant Governor is important as we look at our history and the evolution of the Canadian Armed Forces, and the Division in particular, going forward.”

A link between the British monarchy and the Canadian Armed Forces

The Lieutenant Governor fulfills an essential constitutional role in safeguarding the traditions and principles of Canada’s democratic system. The ceremonial aspect of the role includes participation in military ceremonies. Her Honour says that she is excited to engage with members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

“Members of the military swear an oath to the Queen, and as Her Majesty’s representative in Alberta, I’m humbled and I will do whatever I can to honour that strong connection and that tradition,” she said.

The value of stability and rule of law in Canada

The Lieutenant Governor was born and raised in Uganda before pursuing post-secondary studies in England. In 1971, the commander of the Ugandan military staged a coup d'état and overthrew the elected government. General Idi Amin declared himself president of Uganda, and a year later announced that the country’s entire Asian minority population was to be expelled. This led to Salma Lakhani and her family being exiled from Uganda and stripped of virtually everything.

Her Honour said that the stability and rule of law followed by Canada is integral to the country’s security and safety, and pointed out that those are not luxuries enjoyed everywhere.

She said: “I’m very grateful for the gift of Canadian citizenship and I really value the role that our women and men in uniform play in keeping us safe, protecting us, and in doing wonderful things around the world to try to bring peace and make this a better world for everybody.”

BGen Fletcher said that it was illuminating to hear Her Honour share her experiences in Uganda and as a stateless person after being expelled from the country soon after a brutal military coup.

“To have her be able to tell that story and juxtapose it with the stability of Canadian society and the Canadian Army is pretty amazing,” he said. “It helps us realize how fortunate [Canadians] are to be where we are and serve in the Forces that we do.”