Leadership, Community, and Purpose with Hon. Salma Lakhani

Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani, Alberta’s 19th Lieutenant Governor, is the first Muslim, first South Asian, and first African-born person to hold a viceregal office in Canada. While her role spans constitutional, ceremonial, and community responsibilities, it is connecting with people across Alberta that she describes as the most rewarding part of her work. 

At the heart of our conversation with Brijen was one recurring theme: service. Growing up in Uganda in an extended family, she was instilled with values of faith and sewa — the practice of selflessly giving back to one’s community. She also reflected on the African philosophy of Ubuntu — “I am because we are” — a belief in our shared humanity that continues to guide both her life and her work. 

Her journey has not been without hardship. Recalling the expulsion of Asians from Uganda in 1972, she spoke candidly about losing the home she once knew. Yet one message stood above all others: hope should die last. Although she was forced to leave Uganda, her commitment to giving back has never wavered.

Through her family’s Rotary initiatives, they continue to support medical education in Uganda, reflecting her enduring belief that service knows no borders. That resilience has remained a defining part of her life and continues to guide her commitment to serving others. 

Service, she believes, begins by wanting for others what we want for ourselves. Her own leadership journey in Canada started with volunteering in her faith community, and throughout the interview she reflected on creating opportunities for others, particularly newcomers who often face significant barriers while rebuilding their lives. 

Canada, she says, is a beacon of hope — but living up to that reputation requires intention. One of the most thought-provoking moments of the conversation came as she distinguished diversity from inclusion. Diversity, she explained, is a fact; inclusion is an act and a choice.

True inclusion is not simply inviting people to the table, but listening to different perspectives and ensuring those voices shape meaningful action. 

The conversation also explored some of today’s biggest challenges — from inequity and disparity to the importance of representation. Referring to women in STEM, she noted that while women account for 36% of STEM graduates, only 23% work in STEM professions, reinforcing her belief that visibility matters because, what people cannot see, they cannot imagine themselves becoming.

The conversation also turned to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Drawing on the Cree concept of Wahkotowin — the understanding that we are all interconnected — she reflected on our shared responsibility to build relationships grounded in respect. Land acknowledgements, she noted, are meaningful, but their true value lies in the actions that follow. 

When asked what gives her hope for the future, her answer was immediate: young people. She encouraged them to be authentic, believe in themselves, seek mentors, and use their voices to build the kind of country they wish to inherit. “Young people inspire me and give me hope,” she said. 

As the interview drew to a close, one message continued to resonate: service above self. Bridging divides, she believes, begins with listening, walking alongside one another, and ensuring no one is left behind.

Quoting David Johnston, the 28th Governor General of Canada, she reminded us, “In a world that has lost its moorings, Canada is the anchor” — and that every one of us has a role to play in being that anchor. 

Forced to leave the country she once called home, Hon. Salma Lakhani transformed adversity into a lifelong commitment to service. Her journey is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the profound impact of giving back to the community.

To truly appreciate the warmth, wisdom, and conviction behind these reflections, we invite you to watch the full conversation with BriJen.