1922
Born Jeanne Benoît on April 26 in Prud’homme, Saskatchewan.

1926
The Benoît family moves to Ottawa.

1943
As national president of the Jeunesse étudiante catholique organization in Montreal, travels
throughout Canada.

1948
Marries Maurice Sauvé, a law student
(with whom she has a son 11 years later)
and departs for Europe.

1950–1952
In Paris, works for UNESCO and studies
at the Sorbonne.

1952–1972
Returning to Canada, joins Radio-Canada/CBC
in Montreal as a radio and television journalist.

1972
Is elected Liberal Member of Parliament for
Ahuntsic, Montreal.

1972–1979
Becomes the third Canadian woman ever
appointed to Cabinet, and serves successively
as Minister of Science and Technology,
Environment and, finally, Communications.

1980
Is named Speaker of the House of Commons,
the first woman to hold that position.

1984–1990
Despite frail health, serves as Governor General
of Canada.

1993
Dies on January 26 in Montreal.