Motherhood through the eyes of Michaëlle Jean

Q: When you adopted your young daughter from Haiti, what was it about Marie-Eden that captured your heart?

I could have taken any child but she chose us! She was in a maternity ward. Her biological parents could not give her a future. I've never experienced so much love as the day she was presented to me. It was done with such dignity. Marie-Eden is a gift. I see myself as someone who's accompanying a child through life and it's always surprising, always an incredible challenge.

Q: She's being raised in extraordinary surroundings. How are you keeping Marie-Eden grounded?

She keeps me grounded. When she entered Rideau Hall for the first time and saw how big it was, I told her "It's not our house, it's Canada's house." She takes it very seriously that this is every Canadian's house. Q: You're also in the position of being a stepmother to your husband's
(Jean-Daniel Lafond) two grown daughters and two granddaughters. How is that relationship?

We're very lucky because it's a very harmonious extended family. This is a priority for my husband, who has a great sense of family and has a wonderful relationship with his daughters and first wife. We all spend time together and there's never been any acrimony; there's a lot of respect and affection.

Q: Summer is approaching and many families will be taking their children to different parts of the country. Will you be travelling with your family in Canada?

We have the incredible privilege of visiting all the provinces and territories, and we'll be taking Marie-Eden on some trips with us. She's privileged because she's learning about the country, its diversity, history and cultural aspects. It's great to have this sense of the landscape, the urban landscape and social landscape. Travelling gives something special to your child, a sense of the world.

Q: Are there any aspects of being a mother that you're finding helpful in your role as Governor General?

There are certain issues that you grasp differently through your experience as a mother, issues such as education, health care, integration and poverty. There are essential values that you want to pass onto your child.

It's the same way you want to serve the country. You want to make a valuable contribution. I'm a person with unbelievable expectations. I want things to happen! I see my deadline as Governor General and know time is running out. I really want to bring as much relevance as I can to this position over the next five years.

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