Rideau Hall, Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Welcome to Rideau Hall.

Jean-Daniel and I are delighted to welcome you to this historic site, where 26 governors general and their spouses have lived and worked before us.

It is with great humility and enthusiasm that Jean-Daniel and I are continuing the work begun over a century ago and to which we are adding our own passion and conviction.

Please allow me to speak to you this morning as a friend.

Jean-Daniel did not marry the Governor General of Canada. He joined his life to that of Michaëlle Jean, the woman he loves and whom he has had to share with the rest of the country for nearly two and a half years.

To our daughter, Marie-Éden, her mom is not the woman you see in the papers or on television; she is the woman who reads to her before bed or sings her a lullaby.

When I was asked to fill the role of governor general of Canada, I thought about it for some time. It’s not a decision made lightly, and my husband and I discussed it at length, carefully weighing the pros and cons.

But I knew, deep down, that whatever the decision, Jean‑Daniel would be there by my side.

And I will never forget the day when, after telling her that I had accepted the position, Marie-Éden told me how proud she was of me. It was then that I understood how important my decision was and how it could bring hope, even to a six-year-old child.

I know that the choice I made has not always been easy for my husband or my daughter, or for me for that matter. But I also know that they have the deepest respect for that decision, as for the institution of the Governor General. And that they support me one hundred percent, if only by accepting the impact it has had on their lives.

We had to leave behind our home, our neighbourhood, our colleagues and friends. We had to accept that we would always be in the public eye as a family, that we would no longer have a private life. For me, the hardest part is having to spend several days, if not several weeks, apart from one another.

So many constraints, a very heavy agenda, that can take their toll over time. I could go on, but you already know exactly what I’m talking about.

We know that it is not only a unique, wonderful and exciting adventure, but an incredible responsibility.  It is an opportunity to bring our own contribution to this country we love.  We are aware of the immense privilege we have to celebrate our citizenship and what makes it so valued in this country and around the world.

Today’s gathering is also about recognizing the power of team work.

Team work that has always been part of the success of this institution.

Every Governor General’s spouse has contributed in one form or another to the betterment of Canada and truly deserves our appreciation.

Jean-Daniel has succeeded beautifully, I think, in balancing his career as a filmmaker and philosopher with life at Rideau Hall, in that he has put his ideas and passion, as vibrant as ever, to use for the benefit of our fellow citizens.

I have no doubt that Jean-Daniel would be delighted to tell you about his projects himself.

While working on his films and documentaries, Jean-Daniel was also directly involved in the launch of the Citizen Voices Web site.

This site has opened the door to a meaningful dialogue amongst Canadians, particularly youth, a dialogue that guides us as we reflect on issues that matter to us all.

Jean-Daniel also undertook a bold project, Art Matters, which I enthusiastically support. These are forums for discussion where, in a spirit of openness and sharing, issues critical to the arts and culture are explored. To date, we have held over 20 forums, in Canada and abroad.

Jean-Daniel is also taking an active role in planning the activities of the Office of the Governor General in honour of the 400^th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City. And on top of everything, he is working to promote Canadian culinary excellence and we will soon be creating an award for the culinary arts.

As for my daughter, well, she has adapted wonderfully to her new life, better than I could have hoped. She goes to public school, and when she comes home to 1 Sussex Drive, her laughter echoes from one end of the residence to the other!

For her, the Rideau Hall staff are part of her family. In fact, she refers to them as her extended family.

Today, we feel enriched by our encounters with Canadians, who have allowed us an intimate look into the realities of their lives.

I could not thrive as well without the support of my husband and daughter. 

Never say that you are in your spouse’s shadow. You are their pillar, their strength, their inspiration, their desire to act for the greater good. It is because of you and your support that they can realize their aspirations. Never forget that.

Allow me to pay tribute to you today and to applaud your sense of commitment. Thank you for what you do out of love, out of concern for your partner, out of a sense of solidarity and a desire to make your own contribution.

I truly believe that a country is only as good as the will of its people.  Your efforts are very much part of our collective success.