The Barack Obama-Stephen Harper lunch and meeting dominated morning and afternoon news discussion but imho one of the best moments was earlier at the airport. That's when the first black American president, was met by Governor General Michaëlle Jean, Canada's first black governor general, and her husband Jean-Daniel Lafond. After a private meeting with Jean in an airport reception room, the president headed downtown to Parliament Hill.
The Governor General is the Queen's representative in Canada and communicates directly with Queen Elizabeth. Before the 1980s this position was only filled by white men but since then three of five Governors General have been female.
More on the fierce Governor General Michaëlle Jean. The well-known journalist and television broadcaster in Quebec, immigrated from Haiti with her family at an early age. Jean is fluent in five languages—French, English, Italian, Spanish and Haitian Creole.
Fabulous woman! And our President aint bad either.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 19 February 2009 at 15:31
I know that's right ... This is what I like to see.
Posted by: S. Flemming | 19 February 2009 at 15:38
Didn't even realize who she was or the significance of the position.
Posted by: M. Mark | 19 February 2009 at 15:39
I did see this and cried out in joy. This is a beautiful moment in our history.
Posted by: Strong Island | 19 February 2009 at 15:48
This feeling of pride at seeing President Obama on the world stage is just wonderful and new. For the past 8 years, I just wanted the president to stay in the white house and not do interviews.
I was so proud of President Obama and our country today as I watched the press conference that took place in Canada on CNN. Finally an American president that doesn't sound retarded next to other world leaders. I'm damn near giddy.
Obama makes you want to be a better person.
Posted by: FREELEO | 19 February 2009 at 16:00
This was a wonderful piece! Thanks Rod!
Posted by: cedric | 20 February 2009 at 08:08
Just a comment on Canadian usage. The plural of "Governor General" is "Governors General" not "Governor Generals". Similar to "mothers-in-law". The other two female Governors General were Jeanne Sauvé and Adrienne Clarkson (first Asian GG, born in Hong Kong).
Posted by: Zibba | 20 February 2009 at 14:20
Do you think Americans in general noticed that our de facto head of state, Governor-General Michaelle Jean is black? Is that fact getting any publicity other than your site, Rod?
- Curious Canadian
Posted by: wolffie | 21 February 2009 at 13:58
I wonder if Adrienne Clarkson talked about the plight of the Chinese and need for a change in their government. We should appoint Michaelle as ambassador to Haiti. She is in the wrong job.
Posted by: Philip | 21 February 2009 at 17:11
Limiting Michaelle Jean's diplomatic talents to Haiti would do an incredible disservice to Canadians.
In fact, limiting her skills to any one country would be a waste. I think we may need to establish a whole new office -- something like a Diplomat General -- to encompass Jean's talents.
She is the best diplomatic asset Canada has at its disposal right now, bar none.
Posted by: Patrick Ross | 21 February 2009 at 20:07
She is more than pretty faced symbol.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090126.wmacgregor26/BNStory/politics
Posted by: George Cairns | 21 February 2009 at 22:49
wasnt like two politicians...it was like a King talking to Queen. New age...I am grateful to be young and black.
Posted by: David | 22 February 2009 at 03:26
quel beau couple...royal !
bravo pour nos deux pays !
Posted by: vincent | 22 February 2009 at 11:54