Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed Louise Arbour, a former Supreme Court of Canada justice and international war crimes prosecutor, as the country's new governor general.

Arbour, a distinguished jurist, previously served as a United Nations commissioner and prosecuted war crimes in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda during her international career. She will serve as Canada's representative of King Charles III in her new role.

As governor general, Arbour will carry out ceremonial and constitutional duties on behalf of the Crown. The position serves as Canada's head of state representative and involves various official functions within the country's parliamentary system.

According to Carney, Arbour's appointment reflects the importance of global institutions. Her extensive background in international law and human rights work distinguishes her appointment from previous selections for the largely ceremonial but constitutionally significant position.

The appointment represents a continuation of Canada's tradition of selecting accomplished legal professionals and public servants for the governor general role, which serves as a link between the Canadian government and the monarchy.