Edith Dumont, the French Canadian from Ontario, officially became the 30th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario on Tuesday, taking the oath as the King's representative, Charles III, during an inauguration ceremony at the Legislative Assembly grounds in Queen's Park.

Edith Dumont is the first French speaker to hold this position, which she highlighted during her bilingual speech in the hall.

Symbolic roles...

Philippe Chartrand, head of the Ottawa branch of the Monarchist League of Canada, mentioned that even though the Lieutenant Governor holds the highest office in the province, Edith Dumont's role will essentially be symbolic.

Her role is to promote a sense of identity, to be the King's representative in the province, to support social causes, and to recognize distinguished citizens.

For her part, Carol Nkwaw, Vice President of the South and West Center at Boréal College, believes that Ms. Dumont has all the qualities required to excel in her role.

Nkwaw also said she has known Edith Dumont for nearly a decade, after working with her on the board of the French-language television in Ontario (TFO). Then they worked together at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOF), adding: "I find that Edith was the woman who truly knows how to distinguish between what is important and what is human."

Sharing the same opinion is Fabian Hébert, president of the Francophone Association in Ontario, who said: "I know her as a person who is always smiling. My interactions with her have been very enjoyable." He said she is always constructive.