Prime Minister Stephen Harper announces Mayann E. Francis as Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia

Prime Minister Stephen Harper was pleased to announce today the appointment of Mayann E. Francis as Nova Scotia’s newest Lieutenant Governor.  “In her roles as public speaker, columnist, and senior-level public servant, Mayann Francis has demonstrated the knowledge and insight needed for this position.  As Lieutenant Governor, she will continue to serve her province and country well,” said the Prime Minister.

Ms. Francis is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, a position she has held for eight years.  She is also the former Nova Scotia Ombudsman, the first female to hold the position. 

Serving the public good has driven Ms. Francis throughout her career.  In the early 1970s, she served as a human rights officer in Nova Scotia.  Beginning in 1994, she held senior-level positions in the Ontario government, serving with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Ontario Women’s Directorate as an Assistant Deputy Minister.   

A respected public speaker and columnist for the Halifax Chronicle Herald, Ms. Francis has been active for many years in fostering greater tolerance and recognition of the benefits of diversity in our communities.  She has been recognized for her achievements with a Harry Jerome Award, an award from the Multicultural Education Council of Nova Scotia, and a Golden Jubilee Medal.   

Ms. Francis holds a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Mary’s University and a Master of Public Administration from New York University, where she specialized in personnel and labour relations.  In 2003, she added to her academic achievements by earning a certificate in theological studies from the Atlantic School of Theology. 

Ms. Francis was born and raised in the Whitney Pier district of Sydney, Nova Scotia.  She is the daughter of Archpriest George A. Francis and Thelma D. Francis.