Adrienne Clarkson

Adrienne Clarkson, born in 1939, governor-general of Canada (1999-2005). Clarkson was the second woman, the first immigrant, the first refugee, and the first member of a visible minority to hold the office of governor-general. She is well known for her work in public service and as a broadcaster, journalist, novelist, and filmmaker.

Clarkson was born Adrienne Poy in Hong Kong. Her family came to Canada in 1942 as refugees fleeing the Japanese invasion during World War II (1939-1945). She grew up in Ottawa, Ontario, and attended the University of Toronto on a scholarship. Fluent in French, she then spent two years in postgraduate studies at the Sorbonne in Paris, France. A 1963 marriage to academic Stephen Clarkson ended in divorce, and in 1999 she married John Ralston Saul, a historian, bestselling novelist, and social critic.

In 1965 Clarkson began a career as a television host, investigative reporter, and producer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). She won numerous broadcasting awards, working first in current affairs and then in arts and culture. While at the CBC, she was the executive producer and host for Adrienne Clarkson Presents (1990-1998), a showcase for Canadian artists and cultural figures. She was recognized as one of Canadian television's first stars and was admired for her charm, poise, and insights. She served as Ontario’s agent-general in France (1982-1987), and in 1992 Clarkson was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada. In 1995 the government appointed her chairperson of the board of trustees for the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation, which oversees the popular Canadian Museum of Civilization and the Canadian War Museum.

On the recommendation of Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Clarkson to the office of governor-general in October 1999. As governor-general, Clarkson represented the queen, who is Canada’s head of state. Clarkson was Canada’s 26th governor-general since Confederation in 1867. Prime Minister Chrétien declared her appointment “a reflection of the diversity and inclusiveness of our society.” Clarkson stepped down from her post in September 2005 and was replaced by Michaëlle Jean.