Adrienne Clarkson

Adrienne Clarkson

Born in Hong Kong, Adrienne Clarkson and her family escaped the Japanese occupation and arrived in Ottawa as refugees during the Second World War. The experience of growing up in postwar Ottawa shaped Clarkson’s early travels and education, and her passion for language and literature led her to Trinity College at the University of Toronto and Sorbonne University in Paris. Clarkson became a well-known public figure as a host, writer, producer, interviewer and journalist with CBC, including as host of its award-winning program, The Fifth Estate. She has represented Canada as Agent-General for Ontario in Paris and was awarded Companion of the Order of Canada. Upon her appointment as Governor General in 1999, Clarkson prioritized relationships with northern Indigenous communities and initiated the Governor General’s Northern Medal. She has authored numerous books and, with her husband John Ralston Saul, established the Institute for Canadian Citizenship.