Archives - Jean Chrétien

At the Installation Ceremony of Governor General Adrienne Clarkson

Allow me to offer the best wishes of the Government, Parliament and people of Canada as you take the oath of office.

I would also like to express appreciation to the Right Honourable Romeo LeBlanc and Mrs. Fowler LeBlanc.

With quiet dignity and abiding good grace, they have left an indelible mark on this high office. Especially through the creation of the Governor General's Caring Canadian Awards, which now give long overdue honour to our voluntary sector. Those countless Canadians whose daily acts of generosity and compassion are the strongest fibre of our national character.

When he took office in 1995, this proud Canadian became the first Acadian to serve as Governor General. And I know that the opportunity to participate in the 8th Summit of La Francophonie in his native New Brunswick at the end of his mandate gave him special pleasure.

I was touched by his show of pride at the historic meeting between French President Jacques Chirac and our Acadian community. At the emotional way that Mr. Chirac renewed the unbreakable bond of fraternity that connects Acadians with the home of our ancestors, and praised the exemplary accomplishments of Canada.

I know that for Mr. LeBlanc this was truly a moment to savour in a long career of public service to Canadians. One that has known many, many high points.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered to honour a person of singular talent, discernment and achievement. Who today becomes the representative of our Head of State in Canada. Whose selection as Governor General is just one more remarkable stop in an incredible personal journey. One that began as a little girl in a refugee boat heading for Canada. Fleeing the dispossession and cruelty of a terrible war.

From this uncertain beginning, the arc of her life has taken a steady upward course. An arc that has run parallel with the development of the Canada we know today. A cosmopolitan nation. At home with our diversity. Comfortable acknowledging the rights of all of our citizens. Willing to give those rights full recognition in our laws and institutions. In practice as well as theory.

She and her family were initially turned away when they sought refuge in Canada. Because they were Chinese. Her presence here today tells us how far we have come as a nation. A nation built by immigrants. By those who sought our national dream and our safe haven.

It is not for me to tell Canadians what they already know about Madame Clarkson. Her list of accomplishments as a journalist and commentator speaks for itself.

But I would like to say a few words about that special quality that makes her so worthy of this office at this time in our history.

We live in a time of globalization. Of a global village. In which people and nations are coming together as never before. Across time-zones, borders and cultures. And in which we wonder what place there will be for diversity. What room to protect and nurture unique voices and experiences.

As few others, Madame Clarkson has sensed the essential harmony in that distinctive blend of voices and experiences that gives Canadian culture its unique flavour. Blessed with extraordinary insight, she has put her gifts to work creating venues of expression for our artists, musicians and writers. From every corner of our great land. From all backgrounds and walks of life.

This has been a high act of public service. A moving statement of affection for her adopted country. And a powerful qualification for the duties that she is about to undertake.

Above all, I believe that her selection as Governor General sends a powerful message. One that makes clear our resolve as a nation to ensure that our voices and our stories remain a vibrant part of our shared experience. And a vital aspect of a strong and distinctive Canadian presence in the global village.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are coming to the close of the 20th century. A great and a terrible century. One of bright dreams and dark nightmares. When we often had reason to wonder whether there was any hope for the world.

For me, the success of Canada has been about proving - to ourselves and the world - that there is always hope. For a brighter tomorrow. For new opportunity. For tolerance and understanding. Madame Clarkson, your experiences and success fortify me in this belief.

On behalf of all Canadians, I thank you for accepting these new responsibilities. And I also wish to extend my thanks and best wishes to Mr. Saul. I know he will be an able companion in the days to come.

I wish you every success in the service of the best country in the world.