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The Right Honourable
Adrienne Clarkson
PC CC CMM COM CD FRSC(hon) FRAIC(hon) FRCPSC(hon)
伍冰枝
GG-Adrienne Clarkson2.jpg
Clarkson in 2011
26th Governor General of Canada
In office
October 7, 1999 – September 27, 2005
Monarch Elizabeth II
Prime Minister
Preceded by Roméo LeBlanc
Succeeded by Michaëlle Jean
Personal details
Born
Adrienne Louise Poy

(1939-02-10) February 10, 1939 (age 86)
Victoria, Hong Kong
Spouses
  • Stephen Clarkson
    ​
    ​
    (m. 1963; div. 1975)​
  • John Ralston Saul
    ​
    (m. 1999)​
Parent
  • William Poy (father)
Alma mater
Profession Journalist
Chinese name
Chinese 伍冰枝
Hanyu Pinyin Wǔ Bīngzhī
Jyutping Ng5 Bing1-zi1

Adrienne Louise Clarkson (born February 10, 1939) is a Canadian journalist and stateswoman. She was born in Hong Kong and served as the 26th governor general of Canada from 1999 to 2005.

Clarkson came to Canada with her family in 1941 as a refugee from Japanese-occupied Hong Kong. She grew up in Ottawa. After earning several university degrees, Clarkson worked as a producer and broadcaster for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). She also wrote for different magazines.

In the early 1980s, she worked as a diplomat, promoting Ontarian culture in France and other European countries. In 1999, Queen Elizabeth II appointed her as Governor General. She was chosen by Prime Minister of Canada Jean Chrétien to replace Roméo LeBlanc. She held this important role until 2005, when Michaëlle Jean became the next Governor General.

While many people welcomed Clarkson's appointment, some discussions arose during her time in office. These were mainly about the costs of running her office. After her term, Clarkson published her memoirs, started the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, and became Colonel-in-Chief of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.

Early Life and Education

Adrienne Clarkson is a Chinese Canadian. Her family came from the Taishanese and Hakka peoples in Guangdong, China. Her grandfather moved to Australia in the late 1800s. Her father, William Poy, was born in Australia but later went to Hong Kong. There, he worked for the Canadian government and met Ethel Poy. They had two children: Neville and Adrienne. Neville later became a plastic surgeon in Toronto.

Clarkson remembers hiding in basements in Hong Kong during the Japanese invasion in 1941. Her father's connections with the Canadian government helped their family flee to Canada in 1942. They were part of a program that brought Canadian government staff back from the occupied city. The family settled in Ottawa. Clarkson went to public school there. In 1951, she saw Princess Elizabeth (who later became Queen Elizabeth II) as her motorcade drove through the city.

St Hilda, UofT
St. Hilda's College at the University of Toronto's Trinity College, where Clarkson studied.

Clarkson finished high school at Lisgar Collegiate Institute in 1956. She then went to the University of Toronto's Trinity College. She won a special medal for her English studies and graduated in 1960 with an honours degree in English. She later earned her master's degree in English literature from the University of Toronto. In 1962, she started advanced studies at the Sorbonne in Paris, France.

Journalism Career

In 1965, Clarkson started working for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) as a freelance book reviewer for the show Take 30. This began her nearly 30-year career with the CBC. After less than a year, she became a co-host, making her one of the first visible minority members to have a major role on Canadian television. She stayed with Take 30 for ten years.

She also wrote for magazines like Maclean's and Chatelaine. Clarkson also wrote her own novels, A Lover More Condoling (1968) and Hunger Trace (1970). Her non-fiction book, True to You in My Fashion: A Woman Talks to Men About Marriage, was published in 1971.

In 1974, Clarkson hosted her own TV show, Adrienne at Large, which lasted less than four months. However, it allowed her to travel and film segments in places like South Africa and her home, Hong Kong. In 1975, the CBC created The Fifth Estate, a journalism program. Clarkson was a co-host and focused on investigative journalism.

After winning several awards, Clarkson left The Fifth Estate in 1983. She was then appointed as the Agent General for Ontario in France. In this role, she promoted Ontarian culture in France and other European countries for five years. After this, she worked in private business, becoming president of the publisher McClelland and Stewart.

Clarkson later returned to television, hosting Adrienne Clarkson Summer Festival in 1988. This show became popular and was renamed Adrienne Clarkson Presents, an arts show. She received many awards and nominations for her work on this show. In 1992, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada for her long media career and her work with charities.

In 1995, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien appointed Clarkson as chair of the board for the Canadian Museum of Civilization and later the Canadian War Museum. She continued to host her show during this time. She opened the new War Museum building as Governor General in May 2005.

Governor General of Canada

Adrienne Clarkson was the first visible minority person and refugee to be appointed governor general. She was also the second woman (after Jeanne Sauvé) and the first Chinese Canadian to hold the role. She brought a new approach to the position and focused on bringing attention to Northern Canada.

Becoming Governor General

On September 8, 1999, it was announced that Queen Elizabeth II had approved Prime Minister Jean Chrétien's choice of Clarkson to become the Queen's representative. Her official appointment was made on September 28. It was also noted that her partner, John Ralston Saul, would join her at Rideau Hall, the official residence.

In Office

Unknown Soldier
The Canadian Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which Clarkson helped create and dedicated in May 2000.

Supporting the Military

On October 8, 1999, Clarkson was sworn in as the 26th Governor General of Canada. She quickly became involved in her role. She played a key part in bringing Canada's unknown soldier home from France. Her speech at the tomb's dedication ceremony on May 28, 2000, was described as very moving. She also worked to have Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry honored.

After the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001, Clarkson praised Operation Yellow Ribbon. This was when Canadian communities helped stranded air travelers. On September 14, 2001, she led a memorial service on Parliament Hill for the victims. Over 100,000 people attended, making it the largest gathering of its kind in Canada's capital.

Clarkson sent Canadian soldiers to help in the invasion of Afghanistan. As the Queen's representative and commander-in-chief of the Canadian Forces, she visited Canadian troops in Afghanistan in 2002. She also visited Canadian troops in Kosovo and spent Christmas with them in the Persian Gulf. These trips were praised for showing her dedication to the Canadian Forces.

Expanding the Role

Clarkson worked to increase the importance of the Governor General's office. She traveled widely, hosted grand events, and organized conferences. However, there were discussions about the costs of her office. During her time, expenses at Rideau Hall increased. Some of this was due to how costs were accounted for.

A major focus of discussion was her 2003, 19-day "northern identity" tour. This trip included visits to Russia, Finland, and Iceland, with 50 other Canadians from arts and science. The trip's cost led to public discussion, especially during a time of other government spending issues. Clarkson explained that her prime minister had asked her to undertake these state visits. The Department of Foreign Affairs paid for the trip with funds approved by parliament.

Vladimir Putin in Canada 18-19 December 2000-1
Clarkson and John Ralston Saul (right) greeting President of Russia Vladimir Putin and his wife at Rideau Hall, December 18, 2000.

Clarkson and her office faced close attention regarding spending. In November 2004, her budget was reduced. In March 2005, she again faced questions about costs for official visits to Spain, the Netherlands, and Russia. These trips were for important events like a state funeral, the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands, and Victory in Europe Day celebrations. After her term, Clarkson publicly stated that she had been asked by the Department of Foreign Affairs to take these trips.

Clarkson's unique way of carrying out her duties also led to some discussions. In June 2004, at a ceremony for Juno Beach on D-Day, there was confusion about who held the highest rank. Government House initially said Clarkson would attend as Canada's head of state. The Queen, who was also there, was placed third in order of importance. Government House later said this was a mistake by a junior official. At Remembrance Day ceremonies, Clarkson changed the tradition of placing the first wreath. She placed it at the same time as her husband, a practice her successor did not continue.

In January 2005, there was disappointment when Clarkson did not attend a memorial service for Alberta's late lieutenant governor, Lois Hole. Rideau Hall stated she was abroad representing Canada at the inauguration of the President of Ukraine. However, the inauguration was postponed.

Extended Term

Despite the discussions, Clarkson was asked to stay in her role for an extra year beyond the usual five years. Prime Minister Martin advised the Queen to keep her to provide stability during a time of potential political challenges.

On July 8, 2005, Clarkson had a pacemaker implanted. She recovered quickly and returned to her duties that same month. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first Canadian-born governor general, Clarkson held Order of Canada ceremonies in different places across the country. On July 23, 2005, she was made an honorary member of the Kainai Chieftainship in Alberta. She was given the name Grandmother of Many Nations.

On September 15, 2005, Clarkson announced the creation of the Governor General's Northern Medal. This award recognizes people who have helped develop and promote Canada's North.

Towards the end of her term, the military held a large farewell ceremony for her. On September 26, 2005, Members of Parliament thanked her for her work. The next day, her term ended when Michaëlle Jean was sworn in as Governor General. Clarkson attended Jean's swearing-in, which was unusual as it was the first time in over a century a former governor general had attended their successor's ceremony.

Legacy

Clarkson is seen as having brought new energy to the role of governor general. She was praised for being a modern leader and for bringing more public attention to the position. Michaëlle Jean said Clarkson "infused the office with a new energy" and promoted Canadian artists. Clarkson was also praised for her dedication to the armed forces and remembrance.

Clarkson and her husband traveled across Canada and met more Canadians than any other governor general in history. She also wrote most of her own speeches, which were known for being smart and easy to understand. Clarkson also supported the arts and sports. On September 14, 2005, she created the Clarkson Cup for women's hockey in Canada.

However, some people felt that her increased travel abroad drew negative attention due to costs. There were also different ideas about whether the Governor General should be seen as Canada's head of state. While Clarkson admired the Queen, some felt her office sometimes downplayed the monarch's role, causing confusion.

Post-Viceregal Life

After leaving Rideau Hall, Clarkson and Saul bought a new home in Toronto. She also signed a deal with Penguin Canada to publish her memoirs. The first book, Heart Matters, came out in September 2006. In it, Clarkson wrote about her childhood, her CBC career, and her time as Governor General.

In interviews, Clarkson shared her views on the role of the Governor General. She believed the Governor General was the direct representative of "the Crown" and Canada's actual head of state. She also suggested that candidates for Governor General should be reviewed by a parliamentary committee and even take a televised quiz on Canadian knowledge.

On February 7, 2007, the Queen appointed Clarkson as Colonel-in-Chief of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. This is an honorary military role. The ceremony for her appointment took place on March 17 in Edmonton. Clarkson is also involved with the dance company La La La Human Steps. In 2014, she presented the Massey Lectures, which were also published as a book called "Belonging: The Paradox of Citizenship."

Personal Life

Since the 1980s, Clarkson has been in a relationship with Canadian writer and philosopher John Ralston Saul. In 1963, Clarkson married Stephen Clarkson, a political science professor. They had three daughters: Kyra (born 1969) and twins Blaise and Chloe (born 1971). Sadly, Chloe died at nine months old from sudden infant death syndrome. Adrienne and Stephen divorced four years later.

Clarkson is a devoted Anglican, and her family has been Anglican for five generations. She chose to attend Trinity College at the University of Toronto because of its Anglican ties. Her friend, Michael Peers, who later became an archbishop, officiated at her marriage to Saul and at her installation as governor general. Clarkson is also credited with bringing prayer back to the viceregal installation ceremony.

Clarkson was open about her religious beliefs during her time in Rideau Hall. She often visited Anglican churches across Canada during her tours.

Honours

Ribbon bars of Adrienne Clarkson



Appointments

Medals

  • 1960: Governor General's Academic Medal
  • 1967: Canadian Centennial Medal
  • 1992: Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada
  • October 8, 1999: Canadian Forces' Decoration (CD) with 1 Clasp
  • 2002: Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.
  • September 4, 2005: Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan
  • 2012: Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
  • March 26, 2019: Gold Medal of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

Awards

  • 1973: Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists ACTRA Award for Best Documentary: The Desert is Dying
  • 1974: Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists ACTRA Award for Best Public Affairs Broadcaster
  • 1976: Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists Gordon Sinclair Award for Integrity in Broadcasting
  • 1982: Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists ACTRA Award for Best Host-Interviewer
  • 1993: Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television Gemini Award for Best Host in Performing Arts Series
  • 1993: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Prix Anik for Best Entertainment Series: Adrienne Clarkson Presents
  • 1995: Gemeaux Award Meilleur pour Meilleur Spécial pour les Arts de la Scène: Peau, Chair et Os
  • 2009: Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award Winner
  • November 19, 2010: Vimy Award

Foreign Honours

  • 1993: Gabriel Award: Adrienne Clarkson Presents: For the Beauty of the Earth
  • 1994: New York Television Festival Best International TV Award: Adrienne Clarkson Presents: Skin Flesh and Bone
  • 1997: Christopher Columbus International Film and Video Festival The Chris: Black and White to Colour: The Making of "The English Patient"
  • 2001: Grand Cross of the Order of La Pléiade
  • June 30, 2006: Member of the Order of Friendship of the Russian Federation
  • March 1, 2022: Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany

Honorary Military Appointments

  • October 8, 2000: Colonel of the Governor General's Horse Guards
  • October 8, 2000: Colonel of the Governor General's Foot Guards
  • October 8, 2000: Colonel of the Canadian Grenadier Guards
  • February 7, 2007: Colonel-in-Chief of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry

Honorary Degrees

Fellowships and Memberships

  • 1993: The Royal Conservatory of Music Honorary Fellowship
  • Senior Fellow of Massey College
  • Honorary Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (FRAIC (hon))
  • Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCPSC (hon))
  • Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (FRSC (hon))
  • Honorary Fellow of the University of Trinity College
  • Honorary Director of the North American Native Plant Society

Honorific Eponyms

Awards
  • Clarkson Cup
  • Adrienne Clarkson Laureateship for Public Service, Massey College, Toronto
Schools
  • Adrienne Clarkson Elementary School, Ottawa
  • Adrienne Clarkson Public School, Richmond Hill, Ontario

Arms

See Also

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