Anita Neville, Canada’s only Jewish lieutenant governor, won't forget her community—or those she represents

On Nov. 15, Manitoba's first Jewish lieutenant governor, Anita Neville, will find herself in the spotlight as she reads the government’s speech from the throne to mark the start of a new session of the province's legislature.

Neville admits she's facing a big learning curve as she figures out what's expected of her and how she can put her own stamp on the office—which includes installing a mezuzah when she moves into a century-old government mansion in Winnipeg.

Neville previously served as longtime Liberal MP and school board chair, along with being deeply involved in her synagogue and the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada. At 80 years old, Neville wasn't expecting to get the prime minister's call offering her this latest position. But she wasn't about to let her age stop her.

Her appointment, coming as Manitoba adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism, is "a signal of positive acceptance and integration" for the Jewish community in her province.

Today, we're airing an in-depth interview with Neville about why she took the job and what she hopes to accomplish.

What we talked about:

• Read about Anita Neville's appointment in The CJN (Aug. 2022)
• Read about Neville's clash with Stephen Harper's government over Israel in The CJN archives (Feb. 2010)
• Read about Neville's stance on Jewish refugees in The CJN archives (Mar. 2011)
• Read about Neville's stance on ageism in The CJN archives (2011).

Credits

The CJN Daily is written and hosted by Ellin Bessner (@ebessner on Twitter). Zachary Kauffman is the producer. Michael Fraiman is the executive producer. Our theme music is by Dov Beck-Levine. Our title sponsor is Metropia. We're a member of The CJN Podcast Network. To learn how to support the show by subscribing to this podcast, please watch this video.