A former astronaut from Quebec will be the next Governor General.

Sources say Julie Payette has been chosen by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the Queen’s new representative in Canada.

The official announcement is to come tomorrow – with the 53 year old Payette standing by Trudeau’s side – just as David Johnston stood alongside Stephen Harper seven years ago.

Trudeau is said to have informed the Queen during his recent meeting with her.

Johnston’s term is set to expire in September – after Harper extended it by two years – ahead of the 2015 election.