Salma Lakhani facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Her Honour the Honourable
Salma Lakhani
AOE
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Lakhani in 2020
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| 19th Lieutenant Governor of Alberta | |
| Assumed office August 26, 2020 |
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| Monarch | |
| Governor General | |
| Premier | |
| Preceded by | Lois Mitchell |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Salmabegum Rajabali
1951/1952 (age 72–73) Kampala, Protectorate of Uganda |
| Spouse | Zaheer Lakhani |
| Children | 2 |
| Residences | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Alma mater | University of Manchester |
Salma Lakhani is a very important person in Alberta, Canada. She is the 19th lieutenant governor of Alberta. This means she is the King's representative in the province. She officially started her role on August 26, 2020.
Salma Lakhani is the first person of South Asian background to hold this kind of important job in Canada. She is also the first Muslim person to be a viceregal representative in Canada.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Salma Lakhani was born in Kampala, Uganda, in 1951 or 1952. Her parents were Abdul and Malek Rajabali. Her family followed the Ismaili Muslim faith. She went to an Aga Khan School when she was a child.
In 1971, Salma Lakhani began studying at Manchester University in the United Kingdom.
Moving to the United Kingdom
In August 1972, while Salma Lakhani was visiting her family in Uganda for the summer, the country's president, Idi Amin, made some big changes. He took away properties owned by people of Asian and European backgrounds.
Because of this, Salma Lakhani quickly went back to the United Kingdom. Her family's money and property had been taken, so she couldn't pay for her university studies or living costs. Luckily, the British government helped many Ugandans, including Salma and her future husband, Zaheer Lakhani. They were able to continue their studies without paying fees.
Salma Lakhani finished her studies at Manchester University. She earned a degree in Clinical Biochemistry.
Starting a New Life in Canada
In June 1977, Salma Lakhani's husband, Zaheer, got a job offer from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. At that time, the Lakhanis did not have a home country. They traveled using British documents and planned to stay in Canada for only two years.
However, the Lakhanis ended up staying in Alberta much longer than they first planned. Zaheer became a heart doctor, also known as a cardiologist. Salma helped manage his medical office. She also started her own business that focused on helping young children learn.
Community Involvement
Salma Lakhani became very involved in the community in Edmonton. She helped many different groups and causes.
- She was one of the first mentors in NorQuest College's Youth in Transition program. This program helps young people.
- She helped start the college's 1000Women: A Million Possibilities movement.
- She was on the board of the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights.
- She volunteered with several hospitals and charities, including Lois Hole Hospital for Women, Kids Kottage, Sorrentino's Compassion House, the Alberta Cancer Board, and the Zebra Foundation.
- She also volunteered with Aga Khan Foundation Canada.
In the 1990s, her husband, Zaheer, helped set up heart care services at a hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. While there, Salma volunteered at two schools and with local women's charity groups.
For all her hard work and service, Salma Lakhani received special awards. These included the Alberta Centennial Medal and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Role as Lieutenant Governor
Salma Lakhani was chosen to be the Lieutenant Governor by the Governor General, Julie Payette. This decision was made based on advice from the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau.
When she became Lieutenant Governor, she also joined the Alberta Order of Excellence. She became its leader, known as its chancellor. She also holds an important position in the Order of Saint John.
In September 2022, there was an election to choose the new leader of the United Conservative Party. This party was in charge of the government in Alberta. One of the candidates, Danielle Smith, suggested a new law called the Alberta Sovereignty Act. Salma Lakhani told the news that she would need to get legal advice before approving this law.
Even though the Lieutenant Governor's job is often seen as mostly ceremonial, Salma Lakhani said she believes it's important to "do the right thing for our people and for our Constitution." This shows she takes her role seriously.
Images for kids
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Dames of Justice or Grace ribbon
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Alberta Order of Excellence ribbon
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Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal ribbon
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Alberta Centennial Medal ribbon
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Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal ribbon
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King Charles III Coronation Medal ribbon
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