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 (born in 1951 or 1952) is the 19th lieutenant governor of Alberta. She officially started her role on August 26, 2020. As Lieutenant Governor, she represents King Charles III of Canada in the province of Alberta. Salma Lakhani is a very important figure. She is the first person of South Asian background and the first Muslim to hold such a high position in Canada.
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Salma Lakhani's Early Life and Education
Salma Lakhani was born in Kampala, Uganda. Her parents were Abdul and Malek Rajabali. She grew up in an Ismaili Muslim family. As a child, she attended an Aga Khan School.
In 1971, Salma Lakhani began her university studies. She went to Manchester University in the United Kingdom.
A big change happened in Uganda in 1972. The president, Idi Amin, took over properties owned by Asian and European Ugandans. This meant Salma's family lost their money and belongings. She had to return to the UK quickly.
Because her family's money was gone, Salma could not pay for university. Luckily, the British government helped many Ugandans. They waived fees for Salma and her future husband, Zaheer Lakhani. He was studying at the University of Leeds.
Salma finished her studies at Manchester University. She earned a degree in Clinical Biochemistry.
Moving to Canada and Community Work
In 1977, Salma's husband, Zaheer, got a job in Edmonton, Alberta. He was going to work at the University of Alberta hospital. At that time, the Lakhanis did not have a country they belonged to. They traveled using British documents. They planned to stay in Canada for only two years.
However, the Lakhanis decided to stay in Alberta. Zaheer became a heart doctor, also known as a cardiologist. Salma helped manage his medical office. She also started her own business. It focused on helping young children learn and grow.
Salma became very active in the Edmonton community. She helped young people in the Youth in Transition program. She also helped start a movement called 1000Women: A Million Possibilities. This group supports women's education.
She also volunteered with many other groups. These included the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights and the Lois Hole Hospital for Women. She also helped Kids Kottage, Sorrentino's Compassion House, and the Alberta Cancer Board. Her volunteer work also included the Zebra Foundation and Aga Khan Foundation Canada.
In the 1990s, Salma and Zaheer also helped people in Tanzania. Zaheer helped set up heart services at a hospital there. Salma volunteered at schools and with women's groups in the city of Dar es Salaam.
For all her hard work, Salma Lakhani has received special awards. These include the Alberta Centennial Medal and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Salma Lakhani's Role as Lieutenant Governor
Salma Lakhani was chosen to be Lieutenant Governor by the Governor General Julie Payette. This decision was made on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
When she became Lieutenant Governor, she also joined the Alberta Order of Excellence. She became the leader of this group. She also holds important roles in the Order of Saint John.
In September 2022, there was an election for the leader of the United Conservative Party. One candidate, Danielle Smith, suggested a new law called the Alberta Sovereignty Act. Salma Lakhani said she would need legal advice before approving this law. She explained that her job is mostly about ceremonies. But she also believes in doing what is right for the people and the laws of Canada.
Awards and Honours
Salma Lakhani has received several important awards and honours for her service:
| Ribbon | Description | Post-nominal letters |
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Dames of Justice or Grace | DStJ |
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Alberta Order of Excellence | AOE |
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Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal | |
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Alberta Centennial Medal | |
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Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal | |
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King Charles III Coronation Medal |
Images for kids
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Ribbon for Dames of Justice or Grace
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Ribbon for Alberta Order of Excellence
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Ribbon for Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal
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Ribbon for Alberta Centennial Medal
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Ribbon for King Charles III Coronation Medal
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Ribbon for Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal
