August 04, 2005
Ottawa, Ontario

Check against delivery

Mesdames et messieurs, ladies and gentlemen.

As you know, last year the Governor General agreed to extend her mandate until the end of this September. As that date draws near and in order to facilitate a smooth transition, we now turn to the task of naming her successor.

I want to begin however by thanking Mme Clarkson for the superb job she has done for the past six years. She has served with deep commitment.

With an emphasis on the arts, Canada's North, and Canada abroad, at all times with an infectious energy she has brought great personal distinction to the office of the Governor General.

On behalf of all Canadians, I want to express our deepest appreciation to Mme. Clarkson and her husband, John Ralston Saul and wish them well as they prepare to leave Rideau Hall.

Today, it is my great pleasure to announce that Her Majesty the Queen has graciously approved the appointment of Madame Michaëlle Jean as the next Governor General of Canada. Her installation will take place on September 27th.

Mme. Jean is a woman of talent and achievement. Her personal story is nothing short of extraordinary. And extraordinary is precisely what we seek in a Governor-General - who after all must represent all of Canada to all Canadians and to the rest of the world as well.

Mme. Jean has had a varied and accomplished career. A student of languages, she lectured and taught at University of Montréal. Later, she devoted herself to the cause of those in need – including women and children at risk.

She is, of course well known as one of Canada’s – and certainly one of Quebec’s – most admired broadcasters. She is a journalist, a noted social commentator and, now, the first Quebecer to be named Governor General in 21 years. Above all, Michaëlle Jean brings to the position of Governor General a unique perspective and an uncommon experience.

Born in Haiti, she has known what it is to come to a new country with little, other than hope. Hope and a belief that with hard work a new country can bring new opportunity.

Hers is a story that reminds us what is best about ourselves and about Canada– a nation where equality of opportunity is our most defining characteristic, giving testament to our longest held values.

As Mme Jean takes up her duties, I am convinced she will inspire and excite all Canadians, not just about our past and our traditions, but also about the future of our great nation.

I am proud that she has agreed to serve and I welcome her, her husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and their daughter Marie-Eden to Rideau Hall.

Thank you.