Michaëlle Jean facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michaëlle Jean
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Jean in 2007
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| 27th Governor General of Canada | |
| In office September 27, 2005 – October 1, 2010 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Paul Martin Stephen Harper |
| Preceded by | Adrienne Clarkson |
| Succeeded by | David Johnston |
| 3rd Secretary-General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie | |
| In office January 5, 2015 – January 2, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Abdou Diouf |
| Succeeded by | Louise Mushikwabo |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 6, 1957 Port-au-Prince, Haiti |
| Spouse | Jean-Daniel Lafond |
| Education | Université de Montréal (BA, MA) |
| Signature |  |
Michaëlle Jean (born September 6, 1957) is a Canadian journalist who became the 27th governor general of Canada. She held this important role from 2005 to 2010. She was the first Haitian Canadian and the first black person to be Canada's Governor General.
From 2015 to 2019, Jean was the third Secretary-General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie. This organization connects countries that speak French. She was the first woman to lead this group.
Michaëlle Jean came to Canada in 1968 as a refugee from Haiti. She grew up in Thetford Mines, Quebec. After getting two university degrees, she worked as a journalist and broadcaster for Radio-Canada and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). She also did charity work, helping victims of domestic violence.
In 2005, Queen Elizabeth II appointed her Governor General. This was suggested by then Prime Minister Paul Martin. She took over from Adrienne Clarkson. Her time in office ended in 2010, when David Johnston became Governor General.
Early on, some people worried about her loyalty to Canada. This was because of comments in films made by her husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond. She also had dual citizenship with France. However, Jean said she was not a separatist. She gave up her French citizenship. She became a respected Governor General. She focused on the Canadian Forces, Aboriginal Canadians, and the arts. She especially encouraged young people in the arts.
In 2010, Jean became a special envoy for Haiti. This role was for the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. She was sworn into the Queen's Privy Council for Canada on September 26, 2012.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Michaëlle Jean's family is from Haiti. She was born in Port-au-Prince. She spent winters there and summers in Jacmel, her mother's hometown. Her father was a school principal and teacher. Jean was taught at home because her parents did not want her to swear loyalty to the Haitian president, François Duvalier. This was required for all schoolchildren.
Jean's family left Haiti to escape Duvalier's government. Her father was arrested and tortured in 1965. He moved to Canada in 1967. Jean, her mother, and sister arrived the next year. They settled in Thetford Mines, Quebec. Later, her parents separated. She moved with her mother and sister to Montreal.
Jean earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She studied Italian and Spanish languages and literature at the University of Montreal. From 1984 to 1986, she taught Italian Studies there. She also worked on her Master of Arts degree in comparative literature. She continued her language studies in Italy. She studied at the University of Florence, the University of Perugia, and the Catholic University of Milan. Besides French and English, Jean speaks Spanish, Italian, and Haitian Creole. She can also read Portuguese.
While studying, Jean worked on important projects. From 1979 to 1987, she helped with a study on spousal abuse. She also worked at a women's shelter. This led her to create a network of shelters across Canada. These shelters helped women and children. She also helped immigrants come to Canada. Later, she worked for Employment and Immigration Canada. She wrote about the experiences of immigrant women.
She married filmmaker Jean-Daniel Lafond. They adopted a daughter named Marie-Éden from Haiti. Jean also has two stepdaughters through her marriage.
Journalism and Broadcasting Career
In 1988, Jean became a reporter and broadcaster for Radio-Canada. She hosted news shows like Actuel and Montréal ce soir. She was the first person of Caribbean background to be on French television news in Canada. In 1995, she moved to Réseau de l'information (RDI). This is Radio-Canada's all-news channel. She anchored many programs there.
Four years later, she joined CBC Newsworld, an English news channel. She hosted The Passionate Eye and Rough Cuts. These shows featured Canadian and international documentary films. By 2004, she had her own show called Michaëlle. She also continued to anchor RDI's Grands reportages. She sometimes anchored Le Téléjournal.
Jean also made several films with her husband. One award-winning film was Haïti dans tous nos rêves. In this film, she met her uncle, the poet René Depestre. He had fled Haiti's dictatorship. She also produced and hosted news and documentary programs for both English and French CBC services.
Serving as Governor General of Canada
Michaëlle Jean was the first Governor General of Canada from the Caribbean. She was the third woman to hold the role. She was also the fourth youngest. She was the fourth former journalist to become Governor General. Like her predecessor, Adrienne Clarkson, she did not have a political or military background. She was also a visible minority and in an interracial marriage. Jean was the first representative of Queen Elizabeth II to be born during the Queen's reign. Her appointment also meant a child would live in Rideau Hall, the official residence, for the first time in many years.
Becoming Governor General
On August 4, 2005, it was announced that Queen Elizabeth II had approved Michaëlle Jean as the next Governor General. Prime Minister Paul Martin had suggested her. Martin said Jean was "a woman of talent and achievement." He called her personal story "extraordinary." He believed she would represent all Canadians well.
Most people reacted positively to the news. Jean's predecessor, Adrienne Clarkson, praised the choice. Jean herself asked Canadians to get involved in their communities. She wanted to connect with all Canadians. She especially wanted to focus on youth and disadvantaged people.
However, some concerns arose. Reports suggested Jean and her husband supported Quebec independence. This was based on her husband's past connections. Some politicians asked Jean to clarify her views. On August 17, a documentary surfaced. In it, Jean was filmed with Quebec separatists. She said: "Independence can't be given, it must be taken."
Jean quickly responded. She stated: "Both my husband and I are proud to be Canadian." She added: "We are fully committed to Canada." She explained her comments in the film were about Haiti, not Quebec. Prime Minister Martin supported her. He said her devotion to Canada was "resolute." Despite this, some critics still had doubts. Polls showed a drop in support for her appointment. The Haitian community in Canada strongly supported her. Jean later said the rumors about her separatist views were untrue. She was upset by journalists who focused on sensationalism.
On September 6, 2005, the Queen met Jean and her family. This meeting took place at Balmoral Castle. Jean's young daughter was present, which was unusual. Jean described a dinner with the Queen and other royals. The Queen herself helped with cooking and washing up. Jean called it "probably the best birthday of my life."
Another issue came up about Jean's dual citizenship with France. As Governor General, she would hold a government and military role. French law prevented French citizens from holding such roles in other countries. On September 25, Jean announced she had given up her French citizenship. This was two days before her official swearing-in.
In Office as Governor General
Jean's official ceremony took place on September 27, 2005. She gave a powerful speech. She said the time of "Two Solitudes" was over. This phrase described the divide between French and English Canadians. She called for protecting the environment and culture. She also wanted to end the marginalization of young people.
Her personal coat of arms had the motto BRISER LES SOLITUDES. This means "breaking down solitudes." One of her first actions was to start an online chat with Canadians. This was part of a website called "Citizen Voices: Breaking Down Solitudes." It aimed to connect people of all backgrounds.
Jean traveled across Canada's provinces and territories. She focused on women who were victims of violence. She met with women's organizations. She also met with Indigenous women chiefs and elders. Her approval ratings rose during these tours. Crowds were large and welcoming. However, at her first Remembrance Day ceremony, some veterans turned their backs. They felt she had worked against the country they defended.
Military Duties and International Visits
Jean and her family made their first international trip in February 2006. They went to Italy for the closing ceremonies of the 2006 Winter Olympics. They also met the Italian President and Pope Benedict XVI. Three months later, Jean visited Haiti. This was her first visit to her homeland as the Queen's representative. She was warmly welcomed in Jacmel.
Later in 2006, Jean visited five African countries. She encouraged women's rights there. She also used her "Citizen Voices" website to explain her role. She shared her experiences from the trip. In Mali, thousands of people greeted her. She was even given a goat with a Canadian flag on its collar. In South Africa, the President praised Canada for appointing Jean.
Jean took her role as acting commander-in-chief seriously. She visited France for the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. She also visited Canadian troops in Afghanistan in March 2007. She timed her arrival for International Women's Day. She said: "The women of Afghanistan may face the most unbearable conditions, but they never stop fighting for survival." She met with Afghan women, Canadian soldiers, and humanitarian workers.
Parliamentary Prorogation
In late 2008, Jean had to return to Canada from Europe. There was a dispute in Parliament. Three opposition parties threatened to remove the government. They wanted to form a new government. After discussions, Jean followed the Prime Minister's advice. She decided to suspend Parliament until January 2009. This is called prorogation.
A constitutional expert later said Jean set conditions for this. Parliament had to meet again soon. The government also had to present a good budget. This decision prevented a vote that could have changed the government. It also avoided another election so soon after the last one. For almost two years, Jean was part of media discussions about the Governor General's role.
Seal Meat, New Uniforms, and Haiti Crisis
In 2009, Jean visited Nunavut. She took part in a traditional Inuit seal feast. She gutted a seal and ate a piece of its raw heart. This drew a lot of attention. It happened when the European Parliament had just banned Canadian seal products. Eating seal was a traditional part of the event. Jean, as a guest, took part respectfully. When asked, she simply said: "Take from that what you will."
Jean made several state visits in 2009. She went to Norway, Croatia, Greece, and Mexico. She also visited Canadian troops in Afghanistan again. In June, she wore the Commander-in-Chief's naval uniform. This was for a ceremony in Halifax. She also wore the Canadian army uniform for Remembrance Day events in Ottawa. In June 2010, she reviewed the Royal Canadian Navy fleet. This marked its 100th anniversary.
Jean received praise for her actions after the 2010 Haiti earthquake. The earthquake devastated her home country on January 12, 2010. She lost a friend and her daughter's godmother. Jean attended an emergency meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. She gave a tearful speech. She thanked Canada for its quick help. She urged Haitians to be strong. She later visited Haiti to see the damage and Canadian aid efforts.
End of Her Time in Office
Jean announced in early 2010 that she would leave her role. Her five-year term was ending. Polls showed she had a 60% approval rating. A constitutional expert called her performance "superb." She was praised for using her office to promote freedom and human rights. She also brought attention to problems in the country's north. She was commended for her dedication to the arts, Indigenous Canadians, and the Armed Forces. Her outreach to Haiti was also noted.
On May 10, 2010, Princess Margriet of the Netherlands gave Jean a new tulip named the Michaëlle Jean tulip. It had deep maroon petals. This continued a tradition of Dutch royalty giving tulips to Canada.
People generally saw Jean's time as Governor General as admirable. She used her position to benefit Canada. She was known for connecting with people. She also often showed her emotions. Commentators called her the empathizer-in-chief.
Life After Being Governor General
Before Jean left office, the government announced the Michaëlle Jean Foundation. This foundation would promote education, culture, and creativity. It would help youth from rural, northern, and poor communities in Canada.
It was also reported that Jean would become a special envoy for Haiti. This role was for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Her goal was to fight poverty and illiteracy. She also aimed to raise international funds. She was appointed on November 8, 2010, for a four-year term. She chose to stay in Canada. In 2011, Jean called for a complete change of Haiti's education system. She said it was key to the nation's future.
Jean was also appointed Chancellor of the University of Ottawa. She started this role on February 1, 2012, and finished in 2015. In 2023, Jean was a keynote speaker for Canada's Supporting Women in Film Trades (SWIFT) Conference. The event's director praised her accomplishments. He said she made great strides in male-dominated fields. These included politics, journalism, and filmmaking.
Secretary-General of La Francophonie
In April 2011, Abdou Diouf, the Secretary-General of La Francophonie, gave Jean a special task. She became the Grand Témoin de la Francophonie for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Her job was to promote the French language. She also made sure French was an official language of the Games.
In 2014, Canada, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Haiti supported Jean. They wanted her to be the next Secretary-General of La Francophonie. On November 30, 2014, the 57 member countries chose Jean. She was chosen by agreement after other candidates withdrew.
Her four-year term began on January 5, 2015. She worked to promote fair elections in several African countries. She also focused on education and the rights of women and girls.
Jean wanted a second term. However, France and Canada supported another candidate. This was Rwandan foreign minister Louise Mushikwabo. Jean's term ended on January 2, 2019.
Chancellor of St. Paul's University College
In late October 2020, Jean was named Chancellor of St. Paul's University College. This school is connected to the University of Waterloo. It offers programs in Indigenous Studies, International Development, Canadian Studies, and Human Rights. It also has a student center for Indigenous students.
Honours and Awards
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Ribbon bars of Michaëlle Jean
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Appointments
- September 27, 2005 – October 1, 2010: Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order of Canada (CC)
- September 27, 2005 – October 1, 2010: Chancellor and Commander of the Order of Military Merit (CMM)
- September 27, 2005 – October 1, 2010: Chancellor and Commander of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces (COM)
- September 27, 2005 – October 1, 2010: Dame of Justice, Prior, and Chief Officer in Canada of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem (DStJ)
- September 27, 2005 – October 1, 2010: Chief Scout of Canada
- 2007 – : Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCPSC(hon))
- September 26, 2012 – : Member of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada (PC)
- September 27, 2005: Canadian Forces' Decoration (CD)
- 2005: Saskatchewan Centennial Medal
- February 6, 2012: Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
- 1989: the Human Rights League of Canada Media Award
- 1995: Amnesty International Canada Journalism Award
- 1997: City of Montreal Citizen of Honour
- 2009: Recipient of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards
- 2022: Ottawa Key to the City
- May 28, 2010: United Nations Development Fund for Women Canada Award
- 2011: Grand Cross of the National Order of the Legion of Honour
- July 7, 2014 – present: Grand Cross of the Order of La Pléiade
Honorary Military Appointments
- September 27, 2005 – October 1, 2010: Colonel of the Governor General's Horse Guards
- September 27, 2005 – October 1, 2010: Colonel of the Governor General's Foot Guards
- September 27, 2005 – October 1, 2010: Colonel of the Canadian Grenadier Guards
Honorary Degrees
- June 5, 2006: University of Ottawa, Doctor of the University (D.Univ.)
- July 21, 2006: University for Foreigners Perugia, Doctor of International Relations (DIR)
- November 10, 2006: McGill University, Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.)
- March 25, 2007: Osgoode Hall Law School at York University, Doctor of Laws (LLD)
- June 5, 2007: University of Manitoba, Doctor of Laws (LLD)
- June 10, 2008: University of Alberta, Doctor of Laws (LLD)
- May 23, 2009: Université de Moncton, Doctorate of Letters (DLitt)
- June 14, 2009: Université Laval, Doctor of the University (DUniv)
- May 20, 2010: Royal Military College of Canada, Doctor of Military Science (DMSc)
- May 26, 2010: Université de Montréal, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- February 25, 2011: University of Guelph, Doctor of Laws (LLD)
- November 17, 2011: University of Calgary, Doctor of Laws (LLD)
- 2012: Law Society of Upper Canada, Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
- November 10, 2012: Carleton University, Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
- June 15, 2013: DePaul University
- October 24, 2013: NorQuest College, Honorary Diploma
- May 28, 2014: Laurentian University, Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
- Early 2019: Dalhousie University, Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
Places and Things Named After Her
Awards
- Michaëlle Jean and Jean-Daniel Lafond Endowment Fund for Social Communication Studies
- Michaëlle Jean Emergency Hunger Relief Award
Geographic Locations
- Michaëlle Jean Park, Winnipeg
Schools
- École Élémentaire Michaëlle Jean, Binbrook
- Michaëlle Jean Public School, Barrhaven
- Michaëlle Jean Public School, Richmond Hill
Flora
- Michaëlle Jean tulip
Coat of Arms
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Images for kids
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Michaëlle Jean's signature
See Also
- Haitian Canadian
- Immigration to Canada
- List of elected and appointed female heads of state
