Motherhood through the eyes of Michaëlle Jean

From an oppressive dictatorship in Haiti to the majestic Rideau Hall, Canada's 27th Governor General has travelled far. Michaëlle Jean arrived in Ottawa with impressive credentials -- a respected journalistic career, fluency in five languages, extensive work with battered women and immigrants -- and, of course, her knockout smile and young daughter. But Madame Jean explains that one woman has inspired her every step of the way: her mother.

Q: After your family fled Haiti, how did your mother help you adjust to a new country, face its obstacles and embrace its opportunities?

After leaving Haiti, like many families in similar situations, my parents separated. My father was very disturbed by the experience of being tortured in Haiti and he was broken. My mother was alone in Montreal with her two girls and she handled it with so much courage. It was hard for her to find a job in her profession. She was a teacher and ended up working in factories. But she made it a very interesting experience because she met a lot of women who were immigrants like her, and she brought home their stories.We lived in a small basement apartment and had only the necessary things for three people, like three cups. Everything was in threes (laughs)! My mother had a sense of joy, and she never, ever complained. She always gave us the sense that material things weren't important. What was important was that we would be happy, go to school and do the best we could.

Q: Was there a special value your mother instilled in you, one that you are finding useful as Governor General?

I saw her working with illiterate people in Haiti and she was very committed. She believed in civic responsibilities and taught me how to be a true citizen. And when I think of the person I am today, it all comes from the education I got from my parents.

Q: I understand your mother has Alzheimer's disease now. Has she been able to comprehend and celebrate your success?

I don't know how much she understands because she doesn't talk anymore. She's in a very advanced stage of the illness and in a nursing home. After the installation (as Governor General), I rushed to see her. There's something that goes away with Alzheimer's: a person does not smile anymore. But, she was in my arms and she tried to embrace me. I think I saw a smile that day.

She still gives me a lot because every time I visit her, I visit the other people in the home, those who never get any visits, and those caregivers who work so hard. I tell her "I'm still learning a lot from you. You're still giving me so much."

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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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