Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean will not only become the United Nation’s new special envoy for Haiti when her term ends in the fall, she will also continue promoting educational and cultural initiatives in Canada through the Michaëlle Jean Foundation, the Prime Minister’s Office announced Tuesday.
Through art and other creative methods, the organization will help engage youth from underprivileged, rural and northern communities, according to a news release.
“The governor general is a symbol of continuity, history and unity,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper said.
“Michaëlle Jean continues to fulfil this role with enthusiasm and grace, qualities I am certain she will bring to her upcoming position.”
As special envoy to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Ms. Jean’s task will be to promote and seek donor funds for reconstruction efforts in her native Haiti which was ravaged by a massive earthquake in January.
The job will last four years and will begin when her mandate as Governor General ends in September.
Sources in the PMO say Mr. Harper has been negotiating to get her the prestigious post for some time.
The prime minister welcomed her appointment Tuesday.
“As UNESCO Special Envoy to Haiti, Michaëlle Jean will draw upon her unique experience and dedication to Haiti, as well as her commitment to educational and cultural initiatives,” Mr. Harper said.
“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.
“The appointment is also a tribute to Canada’s leadership role in rebuilding Haiti,” he added.
According to UNESCO, the role of a special envoy is to help carry the organization’s message around the world.
“UNESCO special envoys are exceptional personalities whose input into the organization’s work is invaluable,” the UNESCO website states.
“Through their professional activities and their personal charisma, they help ensure that UNESCO’s message is heard worldwide.”
UNESCO special envoys are often chosen for their name recognition and their role model capacity.
Known for her intelligence, grace and charm, Ms. Jean would appear to fit the bill by many accounts.
Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, she immigrated to Canada with her family in 1968.
Fluent in five languages, she studied in Montreal and Italy and spent eight years working with Quebec battered women’s shelters before becoming a prominent journalist with Radio-Canada and CBC Newsworld.
She was sworn in as Governor General in 2005 for a five-year term.
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