Canada's Governor General an 'icon of Canadian multiculturalism'

Sunday, 18 May 2008

Canadian Governor General Michaelle Jean recently wrapped up a five-day visit to France in which she inspired French media and French society with her 'very Canadian approach to diversity.' Before she left, Jean had told Canadian media that the French see Canada as a "very positive model for the management of diversity."

She delivered a speech on race relations during the commemoration of the 160th anniversary of the end of slavery in France. Herself a descendant of French-owned Haitian slaves, Jean called for people everywhere to remain, "ever vigilant in the face of the slightest sign of intolerance, and to used every means possible to counter the lack of understanding by some that too often leads to the exclusion of others."

In Jean's opinion, Canada has yet to fully resolve the challenge of integrating all ethnic groups. "We must put an end to the narrow-mindedness of the 'each for his own, each for his clan,' and institute a solidarity pact between all the citizens who form today's Canada," she said.

French society has taken an interest in the Quebec's recent debate over "reasonable accommodation" of recent immigrants. In response to media questions about it, Jean stated that, "What came out of that reflection was very healthy. [...] We continue to celebrate the diversity that founded our society, but we affirm more strongly what we have in common. And that can only be achieved through dialogue."