The Queen and Canada, Residences, Governor General, etc...

[Duchess]

Although a bit off the topic, she is the Queen's representative in Canada.

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/natio...d05-09-27.html

[Princess BellyFlop]

That's WHAT she wore for her big day! Pants!!!!! No way. I'm so disappointed.

[Duchess]

I was very surprised as well at how informal she looked but apparently, this was a last minute change. The designer she originally chose allowed the press to take pictures of the 3 outfits that were made so at the last minute she switched to another designer. Although the outfit she wore today was informal I thought she looked lovely.

[Princess BellyFlop]

I agree with Michaelle Jean's reaction after the designer silly actions. But after the dashing and beautiful Mme Clarkson, I was so happy to imagine we would have another flamboyantly elegant and intelligently articulated lady in Ottawa. That outfit is just too casual for her and for THAT day. There are beautiful stores in Ottawa I would imagine. If not, it's about 1h30 from Montreal! Probably less if you are in an official vehicule. I hope she has a regal dress for the gala tonight. I assume there is a gala.

[Sean.~]

Originally Posted by Princess BellyFlop

I agree with Michaelle Jean's reaction after the designer silly actions. But after the dashing and beautiful Mme Clarkson, I was so happy to imagine we would have another flamboyantly elegant and intelligently articulated lady in Ottawa. That outfit is just too casual for her and for THAT day. There are beautiful stores in Ottawa I would imagine. If not, it's about 1h30 from Montreal! Probably less if you are in an official vehicule. I hope she has a regal dress for the gala tonight. I assume there is a gala.

Well, I *hated* her outfit. All I wanted to do was climb through the television and straighten her collar. Personally, I think a tucked-in shirt was at least in order. Didn't much care for her gala outifit either. A bit too much skin & not very vice-regal like, IMO.

[Duchess]

if there is a gala tonite, and i'm sure there'll be something, i can't wait to see what she wears. as far as comparisons to Mme Clarkson, i think it's a bit unfair to compare. she will be her own person no doubt about that. Mme Clarkson was a big supporter of the Arts but i don't know what Mme Jean's thing will be. her family fled to montreal from haiti when she was 13 after her father was totured by the gov't there. she's fluent in 5 languages (english, spanish, italian, haitian creole and french).

[Squidgy]

Yes, there is a gala tonight. The headline of the Ottawa Citizen this morning read: "Gala to be held in windowless, basement salon". Supposedly, the lower level of the Civic Centre was chosen because of its size (900 people are invited to the dinner) and its affordability. The Civic Centre is not too exciting of a place, but I am sure it will be decorated to such an extent that it will be unrecognizable to those of us who usually go there for trade shows and sports events.

I agree, I thought her outfit was way too informal for such an event. Hopefully tonight, we will see something a bit more exciting.

[charlottestreasures]

As far as I could tell, the new governor general was wearing a long black skirt with slits .

[runaway princess]

Our Govenor Generals never had any fashion sense, our last one was the worst dressed person I eer seen ..I'm not sure about this one yet...

[bweir]

Originally Posted by charlottestreasures

As far as I could tell, the new governor general was wearing a long black skirt with slits .

I watched the ceremonies from outside the Parliament buildings today and Her Excellency was wearing a long black skirt.

There are beautiful stores in Ottawa I would imagine. If not, it's about 1h30 from Montreal! Probably less if you are in an official vehicule.

There is a Holt Renfrew five minutes away on foot. lol
.

[Humera]

I thought Madame Jean was incredibly elegant. Apparently she wanted to wear something simple. Its too bad her designer blabbed to the newspaper. Couldnt he just keep his mouth shut for a couple of days? Instead of having his creations being seen by millions on tv he settled for a newspaper mention. He must be kicking himself. I think the GG was right to cancel her order.
Wonderful ceremony today btw. Beautiful and moving. The right amount of pomp and pageantry with lots of modern touches. The music was beautiful. I dont think any Governor General has had such a hip swearing in. Jean was singing along, clapping and dancing. It must've been a very overwhelming day for her. She was brimming with emotion.
Great gesture on the part of the now-former GG Adrienne Clarkson to show up. That woman was creating precedent even during the last couple of hours of her term. She was the first out-going GG to show up at the swearing in of her successor in more than a century. Apparently the protocol people weren't too sure about her showing up because they feared it would detract attention from the new GG. But nothing of that sort happenend. It was Michaelle Jean's day all the way. I heard one reporter mention that Adrienne Clarkson wanted to be there because she wanted to show a sense of continuity between her term as GG and that of Jean's. I also found it so touching that when Jean came into the senate chamber, she embraced and kissed Adrienne Clarkson.
Great speech by the PM. Im glad he mentioned Clarkson and her husband. And the mention of Michaelle's daughter was so funny.

[Humera]

A fresh take on pomp and circumstance

The installation of Canada's new Governor-General is marked by fun, a common touch and enthusiasm

Michaëlle Jean became Canada's 27th Governor-General yesterday in a vibrant yet poignant ceremony that reflected her youthfulness and the country's growing diversity and spoke to a fresh approach to the usually staid viceregal post.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servl...N28/TPNational


Tears, smiles mark Michaelle Jean's first day

Canada's 27th Governor General Michaelle Jean is settling into her official residence in Ottawa, after an emotion-filled day topped by a passionate pitch for national unity.

In a ceremony televised countrywide, Canadians watched Jean moved from tears to laughter in the elaborate ceremony and celebration of her official appointment.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories

G.G. wears her heart on her sleeve

OTTAWA (CP) - Never mind her oath of office, the royal seal, the various symbolic collars, the pan-Canadian entertainment nor even Michaelle Jean's passionate address.

Let the record show that Canada's 27th Governor General truly arrived when she kicked up her heels and hands to a gospel choir in the Senate foyer following her investiture Tuesday.

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2...238080-cp.html

[Humera]

Screen Caps

1-5. scenes outside Parliament Hill before the arrival of the GG-designate
6-7. awaiting the GG-designate and the PM inside the senate
8. outgoing GG Adrienne Clarkson and her husband John Ralston Saul
9. Michaelle Jean's daughter Marie Eden.

[Humera]

More screen caps, last pic from Polfoto:

Michaelle Jean arrives with her husband, daughter, PM Martin and his wife and others. She was greeted in the foyer of Parliament Hill by the first of many musical performances that had been arranged for the day. Jean was obviously moved because she cried as she sang along with the two singers.

[Humera]

Pictures from Polfoto

1. Michaelle Jean greets out-going GG Adrienne Clarkson

2-5. Jean is sworn in as Canada's 27th GG and Prime Minister Martin and other guests look on

6-7. The new GG and her husband Jean-Daniel Lafond on the throne

[HMQueenElizabethII]

Does anyone know about her view of The Monarchy?Like her personalities through years like does she like the Monarchy?

[Duchess]

i would have to guess that since she's the Queen's representative she would have a very positive opinion of the monarchy.

[timtonruben359]

Originally Posted by Duchess

i would have to guess that since she's the Queen's representative she would have a very positive opinion of the monarchy.

Being a Monarchist is actually not a requirment of the job. Some past Governor Generals were known republicans. Even Mme Clarkson, the previous GG, was known to be slightly anti-monarchy.

In Ottawa over the last several decades, there has been "beneath the table" moves to distance Canada from the Queen and elevate the GG to more of a full head of state.

I think Mme Jean is going to be an outstanding GG and I wish her all the best. But part of my respect for her will come from the fact she is the representative of the Queen.

[Humera]

You can see a re-broadcast of the swearing in ceremony yesterday on the GG's website:
http://www.gg.ca/gg/index_e.asp



Installation Speech - The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean Governor General of Canada on the occasion of her Installation

Monsieur le Premier ministre, Prime Minister,

It is with tremendous pride and deep emotion that I am responding today to the call of destiny which sometimes takes us in a direction we might never have imagined. I am proud of the confidence you have placed in me by choosing me as the 27th Governor General of Canada. Here today, before all of you, I am turning a significant page in my own story as I set off on this new adventure with hope and determination.

Let me begin by speaking about hope. During the 22nd visit to Canada by Queen Elizabeth II last May, Her Majesty reminded us that we can “make a difference” for those who will come after us. “If we make an effort in our own lives and in our way of improving the world around us,” she said, “we will have every reason to be proud of what we have accomplished.” That observation is a perfect reflection of the woman who is deeply concerned about the fate of humanity, whom I had the honour of meeting at Balmoral. It is an expression of hope that parallels my own.

Rest of the speech here:
http://www.gg.ca/media/doc.asp?lang=e&DocID=4574


Personal Coat of Arms of the Governor General

Symbolism of the Armorial Bearings of The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, 27th Governor General Of Canada

http://www.gg.ca/heraldry/emb/03/index_e.asp

[Queen Astrid]

Thank you for showing something Canadian in here ....Yay...Madame Jean seems to be a very good choice for the role of being our Governor-General


I am Joe and I am Canadian (Seriously)