kids encyclopedia robot

Spouse of the prime minister of Canada facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The spouse of the prime minister of Canada is the wife or husband of the prime minister of Canada. Currently, Diana Fox Carney is married to the prime minister, Mark Carney.

Twenty women have been married to Canadian prime ministers. Kim Campbell was Canada's only female prime minister, and she was not married while in office. These spouses are often seen at important events, like official ceremonies or diplomatic meetings, alongside the prime minister. They also often work on their own charity projects. Some spouses have been more visible in public than others.

Some news groups have called the prime minister's wife the "first lady of Canada." This is similar to the title used in the United States. However, this is not an official title in Canada. The spouses of Canada's monarch and the governor general are more senior than the prime minister's spouse. The use of "first lady" often comes from the influence of American media and a misunderstanding of how Canadian government works.

Public Role of the Spouse

The prime minister is not Canada's head of state. This means their spouse does not have an official role in Canadian government affairs, unlike the spouses of the monarch or the governor general. However, the prime minister's spouse is still seen as a public figure. They often join the prime minister during election campaigns and other public events. They also frequently welcome important guests at the prime minister's home.

Llegada de Mark Carney, presidente del Consejo de Estabilidad Financiera (31162633647) (cropped)
Diana Fox Carney, married to Mark Carney

Sometimes, prime ministers' spouses use their public position to support good causes. For example, Mila Mulroney spoke for the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and other children's charities. Aline Chrétien actively supported programs that help people learn to read and write. Laureen Harper was known for helping animal welfare groups like the Ottawa Humane Society.

Many spouses have also been unofficial but important advisors to their husbands. Laureen Harper was seen as a "secret weapon" for her husband, Stephen Harper. Her good ideas for public appearances were very helpful. For instance, she was credited with the idea for Prime Minister Stephen Harper to sing "With a Little Help from My Friends" by the Beatles on stage. This helped make him seem more friendly and less formal. Even though she kept a low public profile, Aline Chrétien was also known as a strong advisor to her husband. One magazine even wrote that she "shares the seat of power" with him.

Some prime ministers' spouses have become well-known for other reasons. Maryon Pearson was famous for her sharp and funny comments. Many of her witty remarks are still remembered today. Margaret Trudeau, who married Pierre Trudeau while he was prime minister, became a celebrity herself. She was even featured on the covers of international magazines after being seen at famous parties. Maureen McTeer, the spouse of Joe Clark, caused a stir because she was the first prime minister's spouse to keep her own last name after getting married. Mila Mulroney also gained attention for her spending habits.

Because the role of a prime minister's spouse is not officially defined, they can sometimes face criticism for how visible they are in public. In 2016, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau faced some discussion. She mentioned in an interview that she needed help managing all the requests she received for public and charity events. Some people thought this showed a sense of personal importance or an attempt to become like a "First Lady."

34th G8 summit member's spouses 20080708 2
Spouse of the prime minister of Canada Laureen Harper (second from left) at the 2008 G8 Summit in Hokkaidō, Japan

Spouses of the Prime Ministers

See also

  • List of royal consorts of Canada
  • Viceregal consort of Canada
kids search engine
Spouse of the prime minister of Canada Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.