Michaelle Jean Named UN Special Envoy To Haiti
2010/06/22 | The Canadian Press
Governor General Michaelle Jean attends an International Women's Day celebration March 8, 2010 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Courtesy of: Sophia Paris/MINUSTAH via Getty Images
Jean's appointment as special envoy for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, known as UNESCO, is "a tribute to Canada's leadership role in rebuilding Haiti," Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Tuesday.
Jean will "draw upon her unique experience and dedication to Haiti, as well as her commitment to educational and cultural initiatives," Harper said in a statement.
"She will be in a position to further advance the international community's response to the urgent needs in Haiti as it recovers from January's devastating earthquake."
Jean, whose term officially ends on Sept. 27, is expected to spend time in the earthquake-devastated country as well as travel around the world to raise funds.
Harper reportedly helped get her the high-profile UNESCO job.
He said she will continue her educational and cultural initiatives in Canada through the Michaelle Jean Foundation, which uses art and creativity to "encourage and promote citizen engagement, particularly youth from underprivileged, rural and northern communities."
"The Governor General is a symbol of continuity, history and unity," said Harper. "Michaelle Jean continues to fulfil this role with enthusiasm and grace, qualities I am certain she will bring to her upcoming position."
UNESCO was founded in 1945 and Canada became a member in 1946.
Its mission is to contribute to building peace, eradicating poverty, and promoting education, culture, science and communication. The organization currently has three designated special envoys: for water, for education and for literacy and development.
There is speculation the prime minister wants to install a new vice-regal in time for the Queen's visit to Canada next month.
Largely regarded as a ceremonial post, Jean's circumstance of being in office during an extended period of minority governments has made her one of the more consequential people to fill the job.
In December 2008, she allowed Harper to prorogue Parliament and buy time to thwart an attempt by the Liberal, NDP and Bloc Quebecois opposition to form a coalition government.
Jean also gained international notoriety thanks to a video showing her eating raw seal meat at Rankin Inlet in what some interpreted as a sign of support for the controversial seal hunt.
The most lasting image of Jean, however, may be her tearful appeal in support of Haiti relief following the Jan. 12 earthquake that killed some 230,000 people and left another million homeless.
It's great to see our Governor General helping the victims from the earthquake in Haiti by helping raise money and educating people in Canada about the country. Haiti has received many donations and aid from people around the world and it's very good that our Governor General has taken it upon herself to go to Haiti and see first hand what is needed down there, and how the people are surviving so that we the citizens of Canada can better aid the people.
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