THE RIGHT HONOURABLE ADRIENNE CLARKSON

Former Governor General of Canada

Universally acknowledged as having revitalized the office of the Governor General, Ms. Clarkson’s execution of her duties exceeded the visionary pledge she made when she became Governor General. She traveled the breadth and depth of the country, articulating a concept of compassionate citizenship, providing compelling insights into our shared history, and engaging Canadians in a spirited dialogue about the common good. In the process, she continued to promote Canadian culture, bilingualism and the arts with passion and imagination.

In her #1 best-selling autobiography Heart Matters, she chronicles an astonishing journey through triumph and turmoil. The always poised Clarkson reveals that life was not as smooth as it appeared, and with remarkable candour and poignancy, she reflects on the heartaches of her earlier years. Being published in the spring of 2009 is Clarkson’s latest book, entitled Norman Bethune. The work is a biography based on the life of Canadian physician and medical innovator Norman Bethune.

Born in Hong Kong, Clarkson came to Canada as a refugee during the war in 1942 and settled with her family in Ottawa. She earned an Honours B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from the University of Toronto’s Trinity College. She did post-graduate studies at the Sorbonne in France, becoming fluently bilingual.

Clarkson began her award-winning career at the CBC in 1965 and was recognized with successively more challenging assignments as writer, producer, director and host. After taking time to serve as Ontario’s first Agent General in Paris, and president and publisher of McClelland & Stewart, she returned to her career at the CBC in 1988 becoming executive producer, host and writer for various programs including Adrienne Clarkson Presents.

Clarkson has been recognized for her outstanding contributions, including being honoured as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1992, and becoming Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order upon her appointment as Governor General in 1999.

National Post columnist John Fraser has observed that Clarkson has the ability, unique among our public officials, of making Canadians feel good about themselves and their country. This talent has most recently been recognized by the Blood Tribe of Alberta, who on July 25, 2006 adopted her as an honorary chief. On relinquishing the title of Governor General, she is proud to retain her new name of “Grandmother of Many Nations.”

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