An Analysis of Adrienne Clarkson
Adrienne Clarkson was the former-appointed governor general of Canada. Many Canadians also recognize Madame Clarkson as an accomplished journalist, publisher, author, filmmaker and civil servant. Adrienne was born in 1939 in Hong Kong, China. Her family moved to Canada in 1942. Adrienne Clarkson is the epitome of passionate politics and believes in the strength of Canada’s cultural and ethnic complexity. This essay analyzes the hardships and remarkable past accomplishments which reflect the actions of one of Canada’s strongest nationalists.
Adrienne Louise Clarkson (ne Poy) was born on February 10th, 1939 in Hong Kong, China, months prior to the Second World War. Clarkson’s parents were William and Ethel Poy
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whom had two children: Neville, born October 29th, 1935, and Adrienne, born February 10th, 1939. In mid-September, the Poy’s attempted to flee to Canada. However, the Chinese Immigration Act, 1923, prevented the family immediate entry. Fortunately, William Poy’s connections with the Canadian government made the Department of External Affairs intervened. They cited the quota of the prisoner of war exchange program with the Imperial Forces would permit the Poy’s free passage into Canada. “It is the immigrants who best grasp how difficult it is to be different in a new society - and how much ferocious will is required to succeed” (Janigan, Web). The family settled in Ottawa in 1942, though William Poy had lost a substantial amount of his fortune, and they lived with other families in a cramped duplex.
Adrienne Clarkson attended a small public school in the city. Even from a young age, Adrienne has a positive outlook on Canada: “...she has an unapologetically rosy outlook on Canada as a country of infinite possibilities, and a sober view of how newcomers should adapt” (Beltrame, Web). Adrienne Clarkson knew the that her life in Canada would drastically …show more content…
change. In the dark neighbourhoods of Ottawa, Adrienne bounced from many public schools throughout her elementary and secondary school years. “Clarkson's primary education was in Ottawa, before earning a bachelor's and master's degree in literature at the University of Toronto, followed by post-graduate studies at the Sorbonne in Paris” (Beltrame, Web). For post-secondary schooling, Adrienne graduated from Lisgar College Institute in 1956. She had obtained an honours Bachelors of Arts in English Literature from the University of Toronto’s Trinity College. Clarkson returned to Toronto’s Trinity College and completed an Master of Arts in English Literature. Adrienne Clarkson also completed postgraduate work in 1962, Sorbonne, France. Her postgraduate work was a thesis on the poems of George Meredith. She is also fluently bilingual in English and French. In 1965, a college friend introduced Adrienne to the producers of Take 30, an afternoon variety show run by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Clarkson was hired by the Crown as a freelance book reviewer. This occupation marks the start of her near-30 year career with CBC. “Clarkson's 34-year career at the CBC and her deep involvement in the arts community - for which she earned the Order of Canada - was interrupted only from 1982 to 1987 when she served as Ontario's agent-general in France” (Janigan, Web). After less than a year in her position, Clarkson was promoted to co-host on air. Thus, Adrienne Clarkson becoming one of the first members of the visible minority to obtain a prominent position on Canadian television. Adrienne Clarkson was the first public minority to be elected as governor general; alongside the second female (Succeeding Jeanne Sauvé); the first Chinese Canadian; and the first without a political or military background. Adrienne Clarkson was the second person to be appointed for the Order of Canada before the nomination of governor general-designate, after Jules Léger. “‘I am very honoured to be the first woman of neither founding nation to be governor-general of Canada - it has deep meaning for me’” (qtd. in Walker, Web). Madame Clarkson brought with her a new strategy to the position of governor general and dedicated much of her mandate to putting more effort and attention towards North-Canada. Adrienne Clarkson was publicly announced the governor general of Canada on September 8, 1999. The announcement was made from the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada that Queen Elizabeth II had, under the royal-sign manual and the Great Seal of Canada, approved Prime Minister Jean Chrétien’s designating Adrienne Clarkson as the Queen’s representative. The announcement had revealed that Adrienne Clarkson would be accompanied of her long-time partner and now current husband, John Ralston Saul, to Rideau Hall. The official appointment to bringing an unofficial pair to the post, due to the governor general would not be the only person to actively explore the Canadian theory and culture. The Prime Minister is in close relation to Clarkson, and enthusiastically announced her new position. “‘Most important of all, she is a person who loves her adopted country and her people’” (qtd. in Walker, Web). Clarkson was sworn in as the 26th Governor General of Canada on October 8, 1999, and was soon actively participating in her new position. She immediately became involved in the final stages of the repatriation of Canada’s unknown soldier from France. Clarkson self-wrote a eulogy read at the tomb’s dedication ceremony on May 28, 2000. A soldier described the eulogy as powerful, and led well-known journalist John Fraser to praise her works. “‘You have to go back pretty far to find anyone who stirred national emotions the way Clarkson did with her magnificent speech…’” (qtd. in Fraser, Web). In like terms, Clarkson moved to have Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry honoured with the Commander-in-Chief’s Unit Commendation, on behalf of the Queen. Clarkson has established admirably strong relationships during her time in the cabinet. “‘I have never known Adrienne Clarkson to be less than resolute. She has a depth of feeling for the sinews of this country that is so strong it very nearly made me believe we didn’t need a Sovereign’” (qtd. in Fraser, Web). After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Clarkson had proceeded to praise Canada’s response to 9/11 with the Operation Yellow Ribbon. She stated, “‘I am very proud of our fellow citizens who make it almost their daily business in reaching out to others. It is a quality of our country that makes it stand apart’” (qtd. in Clarkson, Web). On September 14, 2001, Clarkson presided over a memorial service on Parliament Hill for the victims of the attacks, which over 100 000 people had attended- the largest vigil ever seen in Canada’s capital. “‘...Give us a sense that we benefit always from each other. And that the kind of society we've created in this country is worth preserving and is worth giving ourselves to in every possible way’” (qtd. in Clarkson, Web). Many journalists generalize Mme. Clarkson’s speeches to be authoritative and awe-inspiring. One of the major themes of Adrienne Clarkson’s legacy as governor general was her focus on the North.
In 2003, Adrienne Clarkson led a delegation on a three-week tour of Russia, Finland, Iceland and Greenland to raise Canada’s social profile and provide more attention to the North foreign policy issues. She also spent time as governor general in Northern-Canada, including the visits to the troubled communities of Davis Inlet and Sheshatshiu. Adrienne Clarkson was the establisher of the Governor General’s Northern Medal. The medal is to be awarded for achievements contributing to the evolution of the Canadian North as part of Canada’s nationalistic identity. “‘The North expresses and shapes our imagination as Canadians. This medal will honour those who are in and of the North and those who help our well-being as Canadians through their work in the North’” (qtd. in Clarkson, Web). The medal is a symbol of honour, and awarded to those who are the most compassionate and
hospitable. Adrienne Clarkson officially left office on September 27, 2005. During her last days in office, Clarkson’s close relationship with the Armed Forces was expressed in a large farewell ceremony mounted by the military. The first send-off for governor general by the military. On the morning of September 26, 2005, Clarkson attended a celebration on Parliament Hill in which members of parliament thanked her for her efforts, and presented her with a viceregal flag that flew atop the Peace Tower. “‘People often do not understand what we are doing in this marvellous country of ours, and I urge you to help our citizens understand. It is so important for your fellow citizens to understand just what our system is, how very precious. We did not create this country through bloody conflict but through intellectual effort – intelligence and a sense of true sacrifice. We made it work for each other’” (qtd. in Clarkson, Web). Ultimately, Adrienne Clarkson brought new life to the governor general-position, and breathed new life into the Canadian monarchy.
William Lyon Mackenzie King, Canada’s longest serving prime minister, is known for both the great contributions he brought to Canada and for the scandals he was involved in. The one event that makes him most famous to Canadians is the King-Byng Affair of 1926. During this event, Mackenzie King asked Lord Byng to dissolve parliament in order to force a new election as he had lost with a minority. Because King’s intentions were to regain a majority government, Byng refused out of distrust for King’s plans and King was replaced in power by the Conservatives. While William Lyon Mackenzie King’s actions were in accordance with all the laws regarding his power as Prime Minister, he acted for selfish reasons thus putting him in the wrong. Mackenzie King’s and Lord Byng’s histories will be quickly analyzed to understand their actions in the affair. Right after, King’s options and reasons for dissolving parliament will be analyzed. Thirdly, Byng’s options and reasons for refusing King’s request will be researched. Once enough evidence has been collected, the end results of this affair will be discussed and the conclusion as to whether or not King was right to go against responsible government will be made.
Most people are trapped into believing that Canada is a very diverse place to live as it welcomes many cultures, but do not realize what happens to their culture when they have lived in Canada after time. Throughout the stories Simple Recipes by Madeleine Thien and A Short History of Indians in Canada by Thomas King, the authors tell the actions of what is happening in the characters lives to show the stripping of other cultures when they come to Canada. These two stories reveal how difficult it can be to be a person with a different culture existing in Canadian society.
Pierre Elliot Trudeau was arguably one of the most vivacious and charismatic Prime Ministers Canada has ever seen. He wore capes, dated celebrities and always wore a red rose boutonniere. He looked like a superhero, and often acted like one too. Some of the landmark occurrences in Canadian history all happened during the Trudeau era, such as patriating the constitution, creating the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the 1980 Quebec Referendum. However, it is Trudeau’s 1969 “white paper” and the Calder legal challenge which many consider to be one of his most influential contributions to Canadian history.
Quebec’s social identity and defining characteristics contradict and conflict with those of rest of Canada. Since the genesis of our country, the political, social disagreements, and tensions between Quebec and the rest of Canada have been unavoidable. Utilizing Hiller’s key contradictions in the analysis of a Canadian society, we will compare and contrast the nature of the societal identity in Quebec compared to that of rest of Canada, emphasising on the major differences and tensions between the province and the rest of the country.
In the year 1957, Canada elected its first Prime minister without English or French root, John Diefenbaker. While growing up in the city of Toronto, because of his German name, he was often teased. [1] He grew up as an outcast, and so he was able to relate to the discrimination and inequality many of the minorities in Canada felt. This essay will attempt to answer the question: To what extent did Prime Minister John Diefenbaker help promote equality to the minority communities. . The minorities in this time period were the women, aboriginals, and immigrants. During his time as the Prime Minister, he was able to help protect the rights of this group because many of their rights were being abused by the society. Diefenbaker also helped the minorities to stand up for themselves and other groups. Diefenbaker was able to bring positive change to the minority communities by making an official Bill of Rights and appointing people of discriminated groups to the parliament while other members did not.
“ Let us be English or let us be French. . . and above all let us be Canadians.” Born on January 11, 1815, in Glascow, Scotland, Sir John A. Macdonald became the first prime minister of Canada and one of the most transcendent that Canada has ever seen. He immigrated to Canada in 1820, at the age of five, where his family, including his mother, father and two siblings, settled in Kingston, Ontario. He spent his childhood studying at the Midland District Grammar School, where he developed his passion for the English language and at the same time, realizing his new dream of becoming a lawyer.
The discrimination suffered by the “ethnic Canadians” increased during the war was inflicted by both society and the government. An example of the discrimination suffered by “ethnic Canadians” is Sarah Mann, a Canadian-German living though World War 1. Before the people of the town knew she was of German descent, she lived a normal life. But, that all changed when they found out; they vandalized her house by breaking the windows, painting harsh words in red paint or blood, which is overall person to person discrimination. However, throughout the war, it was not just the Canadian-Germans who suffered from discrimination, all ethnicities either than English-Canadian or French-Canadian. Also, they did not only receive discrimination through vandalism, and other person to person discrimination, “ethnic Canadians” faced discrimination by the Canadian government. The governments’ discrimination was caused by the pressure of frightened public experiencing panic because of the Great War. Therefore, the government took action by passing the Wartime Elections Act and the Wartime Measures Act. The Wartime Elections act meant the “ethnic Canadians” would lose their right to vote. The “ethnic Canadians” would also be put into concentration camps or have to register to the police on a regular basis. The historical significance...
Newman, Garfield et al. Canada A Nation Unfolding. Toronto: Mc Graw – Hill Ryerson Limited, 2000.
To decide what to do after Quebec separates, First Ministers and the ROC, must first look at why it happened. Perhaps Quebec's profound nationalism and unique national identity conflicted with citizens in the ROC; in order to gain understanding of their decision the ROC must look at Quebec's past. Quebec was not always treated fairly nor where they given many rights in regards t...
Thompson, John Herd, and Mark Paul Richard. "Canadian History in North American Context." In Canadian studies in the new millennium. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2008. 37-64.
Canadians have come along way in their culture and identity. Canadians have participated in multiple wars and battles that have shaped our country and the people that live in this country. But it’s not just the violence what shaped our country but the people and traditions that originated outside of Canada and was brought here. European, British and French cultures and tradition have all influenced Canada’s culture and identity. (Blattberg, C. 13, January 02). Immigrants from all over the world have in the passed contributed to the way we view Canada and because of that we live in a safe, mosaic, multicultural country. (Blattberg, C. 13, January 02).There have also been the First Nations people who started Canada’s good reputation and because of them we have accomplished everything that we have done today. (Blattberg, C. 13, January 02).
Many people across the globe argue that nationalism within Canada is simply not feasible. It is said that we as a people, differ so greatly with our diverse cultures, religions, and backgrounds that we cannot come together and exist together as a strong, united nation. In his book, Lament for a Nation, George Grant tells the reader that “…as Canadians we attempted a ridiculous task in trying to build a conservative nation in the age of progress, on a continent we share with the most dynamic nation on earth. The current history is against us.” (1965) Originally directed towards the Bomarc Missile Crisis, the book argues that whatever nationalism Canada had was destroyed by globalization as well as the powerful American sphere of influence. Although it is true that the book was initially written as a response to the events that took place in the late 1950s, many of the points are still valid today.
As we go about our daily lives in the beautiful country of Canada which we have been blessed to live in, it has become normal to see a woman who wears the hijab walking down the street, or a Black family driving on the highway, or an Indian man wearing a suit and tie heading into the office. Canada’s cultural diversity is something which makes the country so special to live in, and instances where we see people of different cultures is increasing everyday. Many of the newcomers who arrive from overseas into Canada are families, with children and youth ready to begin their new life filled with opportunity here in Canada. However, youth who settle in Canada with their families aren’t exempted from the trials and tribulations youth face. In fact,
Canadian Studies has constantly been under fire as to the legitimacy of the work scholars are producing within its interdisciplinary nature. Increasingly, the understanding of “interdisciplinary” as a term has also been questioned. The value of understanding ones own country has decreased, yet Canada continues to encounter periods of great change (Symons 114). I argue that the interdisciplinary focus Canadian Studies takes on reflects past and present Canadian life – be it political, social, cultural, economic, geographical and so forth ¬– as a means to keep the study afloat. Society is in a constant state of development (Campbell 49), although that progress and overarching narratives may take an unspecified, if ever ending, period of time to foster into a larger understanding retrospectively. There could never be too much Canadian Studies, based on this principle of constant change over time. What is challenging to find within that growth is a method to have teachings and programs that reach out to the wider Canadian public (Symons 138). I question how you can create or stem a des...
... Ed. W. Gordon West and Ruth Morris. Toronto, Canada: A Canadian Scholar? Press, 2000.