Louise Arbour Canada's new Governor General

When Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Louise Arbour would become Canada’s next Governor General, many Canadians recognized the moment as historic — not only because she will be the oldest person ever appointed to the role, but because her life’s work has shaped justice and human rights around the world.

Born in Montreal in 1947, Arbour’s journey from a determined young law student to one of the world’s most respected jurists is a story of courage, intellect, and unwavering commitment to justice.

Early Brilliance and Academic Leadership

Arbour earned her law degree with distinction from the Université de Montréal in 1970, quickly establishing herself as a rising legal mind. She clerked at the Supreme Court of Canada, taught at Osgoode Hall Law School, and served as associate dean — all while championing civil liberties and challenging laws that restricted the rights of vulnerable groups.

Her early work included advocating for prisoners’ voting rights and scrutinizing Canada’s rape‑shield law, arguing that justice must protect both victims and the wrongly accused.

A Global Force for Justice

Arbour’s international impact is extraordinary. In 1996, the United Nations appointed her Chief Prosecutor for the International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia.

In this role, she:

• Indicted Slobodan Milošević, marking the first time a sitting head of state was charged with war crimes.

• Oversaw the first prosecution of sexual assault as a crime against humanity, a landmark in international law.

Her work helped redefine global accountability for genocide and mass atrocities.

Supreme Court Justice and UN High Commissioner

In 1999, Arbour became the third woman appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, where she served until 2004.

She then accepted one of the world’s most demanding diplomatic roles: United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. From 2004 to 2008, she spoke out against abuses in Darfur, Gaza, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Chechnya, often at significant political cost.

Her leadership earned her the UN Human Rights Prize and more than 30 honorary degrees.

Championing Reform at Home

Even after returning to Canada in 2008, Arbour remained a powerful voice for justice. In 2021, she led the Independent Review of the Canadian Armed Forces’ handling of sexual misconduct, issuing 48 recommendations — including shifting investigations to civilian authorities.

Her report continues to shape national policy and expectations for accountability.

A Governor General for a New Era

When she is sworn in this June, Arbour will become Commander‑in‑Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces, bringing her decades of experience in justice, human rights, and institutional reform to Rideau Hall.

Her appointment signals a renewed commitment to integrity, global engagement, and the rule of law — values she has embodied throughout her remarkable career.

MV Hondius Virus Update

 

This is the ship that currently has the hantavirus.  

Current Situation

The MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is being held off the port of Praia, Cape Verde, after three confirmed deaths and multiple suspected cases of hantavirus among passengers and crew. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed two laboratory‑verified cases and five suspected cases, bringing the total to seven affected individuals.

Cape Verdean authorities have refused to allow the ship to dock, citing protection of the local population. Passengers remain confined to their cabins under strict isolation and hygiene protocols.

Who Has Been Affected

• A Dutch couple were the first two fatalities; the husband died onboard, and his wife died after evacuation to South Africa.

• A German passenger later died onboard.

• A British passenger is in intensive care in Johannesburg.

• Two crew members — one British, one Dutch — require urgent medical care.

In total, 149 people from 23 nationalities are aboard, including passengers from the UK, US, Spain, Ireland, and four Canadians.

What Authorities Are Doing

• WHO is coordinating a multi‑country response, including lab testing, sequencing, and evacuation logistics.

• Dutch authorities are preparing potential medical repatriations, pending Cape Verde’s approval.

• South African health officials have treated evacuated passengers and confirmed hantavirus in at least one case.

Risk to the Public

WHO Europe states the risk to the wider public remains low, as hantavirus typically spreads through rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, not easily from person to person.

Conditions Onboard

Passengers are:

• Confined to cabins

• Under continuous medical monitoring

• Awaiting decisions on evacuation and next port clearance

Some passengers have posted emotional updates describing fear, uncertainty, and the desire to return home.

Happy 88th Birthday Richard

 

Brad arranged a social hour at the care home Richard is living in.  He invited 30 of his former golf buddies and friends.  He really enjoyed it!   Brad hired Richard Stepp to play the keyboard and piano.  He did played a lot of honky tonk and rock and roll!  Richard played for Chuck Berry.  He's got quite the resume!  Everyone loved it!

Surrey Now

This is a beautiful spot at 16900 4th Avenue

The trees are amazing and the warm sunshine was wonderful!

Yesterday Laurie and I went to the launch of Surrey Now's slate of officers for the next Surrey Civic Election.  We need new blood at city hall.  Troy Van Vliet is running for Mayor.  His message was very interesting.  He has a lot of changes planned for city hall.  He also has a plan to build rent to own homes, so our children will be able to afford to live in this city.  Many are moving out because rents are horrific and buying a home, condo or townhouse is way out of their budget.  

If you want to read about his plan for the future:  https://surreynow.ca/

Bullend

King Charles III presented President Donald Trump with the original brass conning tower bell from HMS Trump, a British World War II submarine, during a white-tie state dinner at the White House on Tuesday evening. The Admiralty-pattern bell is inscribed with the name "Trump" and the year 1944.

"Tonight, Mr. President, I am delighted to present to you as a personal gift the original bell which hung on the conning tower of your valiant namesake," Charles said during his dinner toast. "May it stand as a testimony to our nation's shared history and shining future."

He followed with, "And should you ever need to get hold of us, just give us a ring."

I don't know if this was intended, but look at the British meaning of Bellend!  I looked it up and yes this is right.  Here's the real British meaning behind it!:

-Bellend" (or bell-end) is a common, vulgar British English insult referring to the tip of a penis. It is used to describe a person, usually male, who is acting like a fool, behaving contemptibly, or being extremely annoying. It is similar to calling someone a "dickhead," though sometimes considered more playful.

Happy 88th Birthday Richard!

This picture was from a few years ago.  His grandsons Sam and Jack are behind the numbers!   This year we are celebrating on Sunday.  His son has invited friends, golf buddies and relatives.  He's hired a pianist to entertain us.  It should be a blast!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RICHARD!

My reflections on King Charles' Message to Congress

As a Canadian and a committed monarchist, I listened closely when King Charles addressed the United States Congress.  I expected diplomacy, of course — but what I didn’t expect was how personally his message would resonate with people like me across the Commonwealth.

In his remarks, he reminded us that there are millions of Americans who still believe their fight is worthwhile.  Millions who want to rejoin a global community of nations that value peace, human rights, and human dignity.  Millions who want their country to stand firmly for democracy, freedom, the rule of law, and justice.  A United States grounded in those principles is not just a neighbour — it is a deeply valuable partner.

What struck me most was how universal his message felt.  Every country on earth is susceptible to the tactics that can divide people and bring out the worst in them.  We’ve seen examples of that in many places, including here in Canada.  No nation is immune.

But the United States overcoming these challenges — choosing decency, choosing community, choosing the better angels of its nature — would set a remarkable example for all of us.  It would show the world that even in difficult times, a country can pull itself back toward its highest ideals.

And that is why Americans who are fighting for decency deserve encouragement and support from their friends and allies. They are not alone in wanting a future built on respect, stability, and shared values.

King Charles helped me see that more clearly. His words were a reminder that hope is not naïve — it is necessary. And sometimes, it takes a steady voice from across the ocean to remind us what is still possible.