New Lt.-Gov. Janice Filmon says about time woman named to post

Janice Filmon says it's about time another woman was appointed Lieutenant-Governor in Manitoba.

The wife of former Premier Gary Filmon becomes the province's 25th Lieutenant-Governor later this year. Filmon is well-known in Manitoba for her philanthropy and she currently serves as the chairperson for CancerCare Manitoba. 

"I'm very excited," Filmon said Wednesday. "There's things I do know about the role of course, having been in public life with my husband and I think that there will probably be surprises."

Filmon is only the second woman named to the post.  Pearl McGonigal held the office from 1981-1986. "I think it's wonderful. I would have been very disappointed had there been another male appointed, because in this day and age I think we need to have some more equality in that area and diversity," Filmon said.

"And so when I look at it I'm just very honoured that the Prime Minister gave me this opportunity. The support that's in the community. I really hope I can make a difference in some way."

As Lieutenant-Governor, Filmon will be in the spotlight, which she says is a complete role reversal for her and her husband.

"That's kind of cute. It's fun, when you think that so often we went somewhere and he would go first into the room or whatever. And this the other day, I could see he just walked, and then he stopped (laughs) and let me go through," she said.

"And we both had that quiet little giggle or look that you have for each other to say, 'Hmm, OK. I get it.' Those are things are will be just natural and he is very supportive."