Janet Austin, CEO of the YWCA Metro Vancouver, has been appointed as British Columbia’s newest lieutenant governor.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement this morning (March 20) in Ottawa, saying her advocacy work has helped countless Canadians.
“Ms. Austin is an outstanding leader who has dedicated her career to improving the lives of others,” Trudeau said.
“I know she will work hard to represent the province and its people well.”
Austin has held her position with the YWCA since 2003. Prior to this, she worked with Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, as the executive director, and BC Housing. She is a member of the boards of directors of Translink and the City of Vancouver’s Healthy City for All Leadership Table and has served on the boards of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and the Canadian Paediatric Society.
Outgoing Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon took office in 2012.
Lieutenant governors represent Queen Elizabeth in their respective provinces and grant Royal Assent to provincial laws.
Austin was a recipient of a Business in Vancouver BC CEO Award in 2016 and a 2010 BIV Influential Women in Business Award.
@EmmaHampelBIV
