OTTAWA - British Columbia is getting a new lieutenant-governor.
Janet Austin, who is the CEO of the Metro Vancouver YWCA, will assume the post in the coming weeks, replacing Judith Guichon.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Austin is an advocate whose work has helped others.
Austin will be the province's 30th lieutenant-governor.
She is an active member of the community, serving on the board of transit operator Translink in Metro Vancouver, as well as the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and the Canadian Paediatric Society.
Austin was previously the executive director of Big Sisters of B.C. Lower Mainland and worked for B.C. Housing.
“Ms. Austin is an outstanding leader who has dedicated her career to improving the lives of others,” Trudeau said in a statement.
“I know she will work hard to represent the province, and its people, well.”
Guichon has been the province's lieutenant-governor since 2012.
“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 news release. “Ms. Austin will continue to inspire and connect British Columbians in this role.”
Lieutenant-governors serve as the Queen's personal representatives in their provinces and fulfil her roles and functions including granting royal assent to provincial laws.
They serve at least five-year terms.
