NewsWhore
03-03-2010, 03:20 PM
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced yesterday that Michaelle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada and her husband Jean-Daniel Lafond will visit Haiti and the Dominican Republic from 8 to 10 March. Haitian-born Jean will visit as part of efforts to strengthen the partnership between Canada and Haiti in its recovery and reconstruction. The Prime Minister's office says, "Their Excellencies will engage the Haitian authorities and civil society groups as central players in a long-term, sustainable strategy for reconstruction and development of Haiti. The Governor General will also use the opportunity to underscore the importance of education, culture, women and youth within the broader reconstruction and recovery."
The plan is for the Governor General to spend the second part of the trip in the DR to strengthen Canada's good relations with the DR. "The Governor General will commend the Dominican Republic for its leadership in responding to the crisis in Haiti, and will encourage the DR to remain engaged in the long-term reconstruction of Haiti as well as in the development strategy for the island of Hispaniola".
The visiting dignitaries will meet with President Leonel Fernandez and civil society representatives.
Sworn in on 27 September 2005, the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, the 27th Canadian governor general since Confederation in 1867, carries out the duties of head of State. Her husband, His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond, a filmmaker and writer, brings to Rideau Hall, alongside his spouse, his extensive experience in cultural activities and his profound belief that the development of creativity and the arts is part of a social cohesion and identity project that is vital for Canada's future.
Interestingly, Jean is a refugee from Haiti who came to Canada in 1968, after her father was tortured under the Francois Duvalier regime. She grew up in Quebec, taking on dual French and Canadian citizenship. She worked as a journalist and broadcaster for Radio-Canada and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Upon accepting the position of Governor General, Jean renounced her French citizenship.
For more information about this working visit, and updates on the agenda, please see www.gg.ca (http://www.gg.ca)
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#10)
The plan is for the Governor General to spend the second part of the trip in the DR to strengthen Canada's good relations with the DR. "The Governor General will commend the Dominican Republic for its leadership in responding to the crisis in Haiti, and will encourage the DR to remain engaged in the long-term reconstruction of Haiti as well as in the development strategy for the island of Hispaniola".
The visiting dignitaries will meet with President Leonel Fernandez and civil society representatives.
Sworn in on 27 September 2005, the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, the 27th Canadian governor general since Confederation in 1867, carries out the duties of head of State. Her husband, His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond, a filmmaker and writer, brings to Rideau Hall, alongside his spouse, his extensive experience in cultural activities and his profound belief that the development of creativity and the arts is part of a social cohesion and identity project that is vital for Canada's future.
Interestingly, Jean is a refugee from Haiti who came to Canada in 1968, after her father was tortured under the Francois Duvalier regime. She grew up in Quebec, taking on dual French and Canadian citizenship. She worked as a journalist and broadcaster for Radio-Canada and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Upon accepting the position of Governor General, Jean renounced her French citizenship.
For more information about this working visit, and updates on the agenda, please see www.gg.ca (http://www.gg.ca)
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#10)