Manitoba Lieutenant Governor Janice Filmon was absent during yesterday's throne speech because of breast cancer surgery.

A statement from her honour's office confirmed late Monday that she underwent the surgery during the day and was "resting comfortably."

The statement says she will not be able to perform her duties for a period of time.

The throne speech is typically read by the lieutenant-governor, and the speech was read instead by Chief Justice Richard Chartier of the Manitoba Court of Appeal. Chartier will carry out the duties of lieutenant governor, followed by other judges of the courts, according to Filmon's office.

This is the second time Filmon has faced breast cancer. The first diagnosis was three decades ago.

Filmon has been lieutenant governor since 2015.