British Columbia's new lieutenant governor, Judith Guichon, has twice donated to the B.C. Liberal Party.

According to Elections B.C.'s database of political donations, Guichon was the principal officer for Gerard Guichon Ranch Limited when it donated $700 to the governing party in 2009 and $650 in 2005.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced Guichon's appointment this morning. The governor general appoints lieutenant governors on the advice of the prime minister, and they serve five-year terms as the monarchy's representatives in the provinces.

Harper's statement notes that Guichon is the owner and operator of Gerard Guichon Ranch Limited in the Nicola Valley, where she lives with two of her four children. She recently finished a two-year term being president of the B.C. Cattlemen's Association, an advocacy group for the ranching industry.

British Columbia's lieutenant governor's web page fails to mention the impartial nature of the role, but here's how Quebec's puts it: "The constitutional powers of Lieutenant Governors and the nature of their duties are such that they and their spouses must be apolitical and non-partisan."

Guichon replaces Steven Point, a former provincial court judge and Stó:lo chief.

B.C. Premier Christy Clark released a statement congratulating Guichon and thanking Point.

A spokesperson for the prime minister's office said recommendations to appoint Guichon came from both Clark's office and the office of opposition leader Adrian Dix.

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Find him on Twitter or reach him here.