Rideau Hall, Thursday, September 27, 2012

On September 27, 2005, few Canadians knew what to expect when Michaëlle Jean was sworn in as governor general. By the end of your mandate, Madame Jean, all Canadians knew you as a governor general who brought people together and who raised the profile of this office.

You were outgoing, outspoken, warmhearted, empathetic. You beamed with pride whether you were meeting soldiers, Aboriginal people, honours recipients, children or veterans.

Alongside your husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and your daughter, Marie-Éden, you were, as you aptly phrased it, breaking down solitudes between people and communities, everywhere you went.

Your impact was undeniable.

The change that you inspired in North Point Douglas, Manitoba, for instance, was led by youth, armed with your message that people can enact change to improve their community.

And who could forget your compassionate nature? Military families will always remember how you comforted those who had lost loved ones. And the people of Haiti took such strength from your example and your concern for them.

You made a lasting impact on the lives of individual people, and that is why you stand among the most beloved governors general to ever serve our country. 

Canada fell in love with you, with your story, with your family.

Today, we pay tribute to your accomplishments as governor general with the unveiling of your official portrait, which will hang here in Rideau Hall where you spent such memorable years.

The viceregal portraits speak to the personality and the priorities of each individual governor general. And each painting involved a painstaking, and very personal, process that captures the individual in a very intimate manner.

That is where artists such as Karen Bailey excel. Ms. Bailey’s unique style is instantly recognizable. She captures the essence of a person in vibrant colours and with great skill.

But it is in the quiet moments, the moments of emotion, that her paintings come alive, expressing exhaustion, concentration, discovery, joy or hope.

No doubt this painting will be an eloquent addition to the walls of Rideau Hall, a testament to Madame Jean’s legacy and Ms. Bailey’s talent.

In her farewell message to Canadians, Madame Jean wrote: “You are not born the governor general and commander-in-chief of Canada, you answer the call of destiny with a desire to serve your fellow Canadians and invest years of your life and all your energy to become these.”

This portrait will serve as an abiding assurance of your devotion to duty, and will inspire all who come to this home of the people of Canada, with your example of courage and caring.

Thank you.