New Governor General a ‘hero’ to her former law clerk

As It Happens1h 5mMay 5, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

This episode of As It Happens explores several compelling stories from across Canada and the world. The central feature is the appointment of Louise Arbour as Canada's next Governor General, celebrated by her former law clerk, Fanny Lafontaine, who describes Arbour as a passionate, accessible leader whose career in international human rights and justice makes her a powerful symbol of Canadian values. The episode also covers Amsterdam's groundbreaking ban on fossil fuel and meat advertising in public spaces, framed as a bold step in climate action and a response to 'addiction' to high-carbon lifestyles. In sports, the Montreal Canadiens' playoff run energizes fans, with pub owners like Stuart Ashton capturing the city's collective excitement. Meanwhile, the long-running search engine Ask Jeeves officially closes after 30 years, marking the end of an internet era. The episode also highlights a deadly Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship off West Africa, with experts explaining the rare human-to-human transmission and low risk to the public. A deeply personal Pulitzer Prize-winning account by Aaron Parsley details his family's loss in the 2025 Texas floods, while a CPR instructor's real heart attack during a training exercise becomes a powerful testament to the life-saving impact of proper training. Finally, a rural MP pushes for better cell service in remote areas, emphasizing safety, economic development, and the urgent need for improved connectivity mapping across Canada.

Key Takeaways
1

Louise Arbour’s appointment as Governor General is seen as a historic moment, symbolizing Canada’s commitment to human rights, rule of law, and inclusivity.

2

Amsterdam’s ban on fossil fuel and meat ads sets a global precedent for using public space to promote climate action and healthier lifestyles.

3

The closure of Ask Jeeves marks the end of a nostalgic internet era, highlighting how rapidly digital tools evolve.

4

A CPR instructor’s real heart attack during a training exercise underscores the life-saving power of emergency preparedness and education.

5

Aaron Parsley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning story is a raw, personal account of grief and resilience after a devastating flood, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in healing.

…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Welcome to As It Happens

Introduction to the CBC Podcasts YouTube channel and a brief overview of the episode's featured stories.

3:20
10 min

Louise Arbour Named Canada's Next Governor General

I will reach out not only to those who agree with me... I will reach out to anybody who wishes to engage with me, to debate, to discuss. I will listen. Yep, I will engage.

Highlight
13:20
17 min

Amsterdam Bans Fossil Fuel and Meat Advertising

It's not about blame or anything but it's about the environment that we create and whether we make the changes easier or harder with that environment.

Highlight
30:00
17 min

Montreal Canadiens' Playoff Frenzy

The Montreal Canadiens advance to the Stanley Cup playoffs' second round, sparking excitement across the city. Pub owner Stuart Ashton shares the electric atmosphere at McLean's Pub and the team's growing legacy.

46:40
12 min

Ask Jeeves Retires After 30 Years

Jeeves spirit endures. So let us ask our real butlers to bring a snifters of brandy and let us raise them to an imaginary Butler who was so-so at his job.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
I had to write about it. It wasn't really a choice that I made and I certainly didn't go against my urge. You know, I just wanted to put words down to describe what happened.
Aaron Parsley39:10
Viral: 90.0
I was one in a trillion... that I had a heart attack, I had the surgery and I walked out of that hospital seven days later.
Carl Arps48:48
Viral: 88.0
I will reach out not only to those who agree with me... I will reach out to anybody who wishes to engage with me, to debate, to discuss. I will listen. Yep, I will engage.
Louise Arbour3:09
Viral: 85.0
Speakers

Hosts

Neil KirksalChris Howden

Guests

Fanny LafontaineAnnika FeinhoffStuart AshtonScott WeissAaron ParsleyCarl ArpsLogan LehrerMarianne DandoraMisty Mendez
Topics Discussed
Governor General Appointment95%Journalism and Trauma92%Climate Action and Advertising90%Emergency Preparedness88%Cruise Ship Health Crisis85%Rural Connectivity80%Animal Rescue75%Digital History70%
People & Brands

Louise Arbour

person

15xPositive

Hantavirus

other

15xNeutral

Ask Jeeves

brand

12xNeutral

Montreal Canadiens

organization

12xPositive

Amsterdam

place

10xPositive

Ask.com

brand

10xNeutral

Elmer

other

10xPositive

Aaron Parsley

person

8xPositive

Fanny Lafontaine

person

8xPositive

Annika Feinhoff

person

7xPositive

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