Sauvé, Jeanne
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| − | {{epname|Sauvé, Jeanne}} | + | {{epname|Sauvé, Jeanne}}{{Ready}}{{Images OK}}{{Approved}}{{copyedited}} |
{{Infobox Governor General | {{Infobox Governor General | ||
| honorific-prefix = <small>[[The Right Honourable]]<br/> | | honorific-prefix = <small>[[The Right Honourable]]<br/> | ||
| − | | name | + | | name = Jeanne Mathilde Sauvé<br/> |
| honorific-suffix = <small>[[Queen's Privy Council for Canada|PC]] [[Order of Canada|CC]] [[Order of Military Merit (Canada)|CMM]] [[Canadian Forces Decoration|CD]] [[Doctor of Science|DSc (Chul, ''hc'')]]</small> | | honorific-suffix = <small>[[Queen's Privy Council for Canada|PC]] [[Order of Canada|CC]] [[Order of Military Merit (Canada)|CMM]] [[Canadian Forces Decoration|CD]] [[Doctor of Science|DSc (Chul, ''hc'')]]</small> | ||
| − | | image | + | | image = Jeanne Sauvé at Rideau Hall during visit of Ronald Reagan April 1987.jpg |
| − | | order | + | | order = 23rd Governor General of Canada |
| − | + | | term_start = May 14, 1984 | |
| − | | term_start | + | | term_end = January 29, 1990 |
| − | | term_end | + | | monarch = [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Elizabeth II]] |
| − | | monarch | + | | predecessor = [[Edward Schreyer]] |
| − | | predecessor | + | | successor = [[Ray Hnatyshyn]] |
| − | | successor | + | | primeminister = [[Pierre Trudeau]], [[John Turner]], [[Brian Mulroney]] |
| − | | primeminister | + | | birth_date = {{birth date|1922|4|26,|mf=y}} |
| − | | birth_date | + | | birth_place = [[Prud'homme, Saskatchewan|Prud'homme]], [[Saskatchewan]] |
| − | | birth_place | + | | death_date = {{death date|1993|01|26,|}} (aged 70) |
| − | | death_date | + | | death_place = [[Montreal]], [[Quebec]] |
| − | | death_place | + | | spouse = [[Maurice Sauvé]] |
| − | | spouse | + | | profession = [[Politician]], [[Journalist]] |
| − | | profession | + | | religion = [[Roman Catholic]] |
| − | | religion | ||
|}} | |}} | ||
| − | '''Jeanne Mathilde Sauvé''' <small>[[Queen's Privy Council for Canada|PC]] [[Order of Canada|CC]] [[Order of Military Merit (Canada)|CMM]] [[Canadian Forces Decoration|CD]]</small> (née Benoît) (April 26, 1922 – January 26, 1993) was a [[Canada|Canadian]] journalist, politician, and stateswoman. She was the first woman in Canadian history to become [[Governor General]]. | + | '''Jeanne Mathilde Sauvé''' <small>[[Queen's Privy Council for Canada|PC]] [[Order of Canada|CC]] [[Order of Military Merit (Canada)|CMM]] [[Canadian Forces Decoration|CD]]</small> (née Benoît) (April 26, 1922 – January 26, 1993) was a [[Canada|Canadian]] journalist, [[politics|politician]], and stateswoman. She was the first woman in Canadian history to become [[Governor General]]. She was a notable first female in a variety of additional positions, including Speaker of House the Commons, and was dedicated to the pursuit of [[peace]] and the advancement of youth. |
| − | + | {{toc}} | |
| + | Sauvé's main objective was to see to the fulfillment of national unity among Canadians of diverse backgrounds, an agenda she pushed with the utmost enthusiasm. Her tenure was marked by extensive [[travel]] and meetings with a variety of esteemed national leaders. Sauvé was also a noted [[cancer]] battler whose struggle with the condition ultimately ended with her death in 1993. Several instances of her legacy can be found in the titles of [[education|educational]] institutions and respected awards that bear her name. With so many "firsts" to her name and a record of competency and distinguished service in all her roles, Jeanne Sauvé life of public service is a model for others, men as well as women, to follow. | ||
| + | |||
==Early life== | ==Early life== | ||
| − | |||
Sauvé was born in the [[Fransaskois]] community of [[Prud'homme, Saskatchewan|Prud'homme]], [[Saskatchewan]] to Charles Albert Benoît and Anna Vaillant. She studied at [[Notre Dame du Rosaire Convent]] in [[Ottawa]] and at the [[University of Ottawa]]. She was actively involved in student and political affairs and became the national president of the [[Young Catholic Students Group]] at the age of 20. | Sauvé was born in the [[Fransaskois]] community of [[Prud'homme, Saskatchewan|Prud'homme]], [[Saskatchewan]] to Charles Albert Benoît and Anna Vaillant. She studied at [[Notre Dame du Rosaire Convent]] in [[Ottawa]] and at the [[University of Ottawa]]. She was actively involved in student and political affairs and became the national president of the [[Young Catholic Students Group]] at the age of 20. | ||
| − | On September 24, 1948 she married [[Maurice Sauvé]]. Later that year, they moved to Europe, where she earned a diploma in French civilization at the [[Université de Paris]]. The couple had one child. Sauvé was a founding member of the [[Institute of Political Research]] and for over 28 years had a distinguished career as a journalist and broadcaster with the [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]]. | + | On September 24, 1948, she married [[Maurice Sauvé]]. Later that year, they moved to [[Europe]], where she earned a diploma in French [[civilization]] at the [[Université de Paris]]. The couple had one child. Sauvé was a founding member of the [[Institute of Political Research]] and for over 28 years had a distinguished career as a journalist and broadcaster with the [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]].<ref>Irma Coucill, ''Canada's Prime Ministers, Governors General and Fathers of Confederation'' (Markham, Ontario: Pembroke Publishers Limited, 2005, ISBN 1551381850), 98.</ref> |
==Parliamentary career== | ==Parliamentary career== | ||
| − | |||
She was elected [[Liberal Party of Canada|Liberal]] MP from [[Montreal]] in 1972, and was, along with [[Monique Bégin]] and [[Albanie Morin]], one of the first three women ever elected to the House of Commons from [[Quebec]]. Sauvé became the first woman cabinet member from Quebec as Minister of State for Science and Technology under [[Prime Minister of Canada|Prime Minister]] [[Pierre Trudeau]]. She was re-elected in July 1974 and given the environment portfolio. In 1975, she was appointed Minister of Communications with responsibility for French-speaking countries in the Department of External Affairs. She also opened the first daycare on [[Parliament Hill]]. | She was elected [[Liberal Party of Canada|Liberal]] MP from [[Montreal]] in 1972, and was, along with [[Monique Bégin]] and [[Albanie Morin]], one of the first three women ever elected to the House of Commons from [[Quebec]]. Sauvé became the first woman cabinet member from Quebec as Minister of State for Science and Technology under [[Prime Minister of Canada|Prime Minister]] [[Pierre Trudeau]]. She was re-elected in July 1974 and given the environment portfolio. In 1975, she was appointed Minister of Communications with responsibility for French-speaking countries in the Department of External Affairs. She also opened the first daycare on [[Parliament Hill]]. | ||
| − | In 1980 Trudeau appointed her as the first woman [[Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons|Speaker of the House of Commons]]. | + | In 1980, Trudeau appointed her as the first woman [[Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons|Speaker of the House of Commons]]. |
Despite being in the non-partisan role of Speaker, Sauvé campaigned for the "No" forces during the [[1980 Quebec referendum]]. This was possible as all parties in the House of Commons at that time were federalist and because the referendum was provincial, not federal. | Despite being in the non-partisan role of Speaker, Sauvé campaigned for the "No" forces during the [[1980 Quebec referendum]]. This was possible as all parties in the House of Commons at that time were federalist and because the referendum was provincial, not federal. | ||
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She presided over debates on the [[Canadian Constitution]] dealing with [[filibuster]]s and numerous [[point of order|points of order]]. She was also Speaker during an [[parliamentary opposition|Opposition]] campaign against the [[Energy Security Act]], which culminated in a two-week bell-ringing episode when the Official Opposition's [[Parliamentary Whip|Whip]] refused to appear on the floor of the Commons to indicate the Opposition was ready for a vote. Despite pressure by the government that she intervene to resolve the deadlock she maintained that it was up to the parties to resolve it themselves through negotiation. | She presided over debates on the [[Canadian Constitution]] dealing with [[filibuster]]s and numerous [[point of order|points of order]]. She was also Speaker during an [[parliamentary opposition|Opposition]] campaign against the [[Energy Security Act]], which culminated in a two-week bell-ringing episode when the Official Opposition's [[Parliamentary Whip|Whip]] refused to appear on the floor of the Commons to indicate the Opposition was ready for a vote. Despite pressure by the government that she intervene to resolve the deadlock she maintained that it was up to the parties to resolve it themselves through negotiation. | ||
| + | {{readout||right|250px|Jeanne Sauvé was the first woman to be appointed Governor General of [[Canada]]}} | ||
| + | In the winter of 1983, Prime Minister Trudeau announced her appointment as Governor General. She became the second woman in a [[Commonwealth realm]] to assume the office, the first being [[Elmira Minita Gordon]] of [[Belize]]. She was sworn in on May 14, 1984. | ||
| − | + | ==Governor general== | |
| − | + | Sauvé had been a long-time sufferer from [[cancer]]. In the weeks leading to her inauguration she unexpectedly became ill, and nearly died in the hospital. She made a surprising recovery, however, and was ultimately able to be sworn in on May 14, 1984, without delay. | |
| − | ==Governor | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Sauvé had been a long-time sufferer from [[cancer]]. In the weeks leading to her inauguration she unexpectedly became ill, and nearly died in the hospital. She made a surprising recovery, however, and was ultimately able to be sworn in on May 14, 1984 without delay. | ||
Sauvé was a staunch advocate of issues surrounding youth and world peace, and the dove of peace is one of the elements incorporated into Sauvé's coat-of-arms. Long before her vice-regal mandate, she worked as assistant to the Director of the Youth Secretariat of [[UNESCO]], served as Secretary of the Canadian Committee for the World Assembly of Youth, and initiated and hosted a discussion show for youth. At [[Rideau Hall]], she established two awards for students wishing to enter the field of special education for exceptional children. And at the end of her mandate, she established the [[Jeanne Sauvé Youth Foundation]], dedicated to the cause of youth excellence in Canada. | Sauvé was a staunch advocate of issues surrounding youth and world peace, and the dove of peace is one of the elements incorporated into Sauvé's coat-of-arms. Long before her vice-regal mandate, she worked as assistant to the Director of the Youth Secretariat of [[UNESCO]], served as Secretary of the Canadian Committee for the World Assembly of Youth, and initiated and hosted a discussion show for youth. At [[Rideau Hall]], she established two awards for students wishing to enter the field of special education for exceptional children. And at the end of her mandate, she established the [[Jeanne Sauvé Youth Foundation]], dedicated to the cause of youth excellence in Canada. | ||
| − | Sauvé's concern for youth and peace were two of the three central themes of her mandate | + | Sauvé's concern for youth and peace were two of the three central themes of her mandate—the third was national unity. She traveled extensively, making her role as Governor General—a largely symbolic office—accessible to all Canadians. In her installation speech she spoke about the need for Canadians to forgo a narrow sense of their nation and to become more tolerant. "This is the price of our happiness," she said, "but happiness will never be found in the spirit of 'every man for himself'."<ref>Shirley E. Woods, ''Her Excellency Jeanne Sauvé'' (Halifax, Nova Scotia: Formac Publishing Co., 1987, ISBN 0887801498), 190.</ref> |
| − | Sauvé was an honorary member of the [[Royal Military College of Canada]] Club H16929. Fort Sauvé at Royal Military College of Canada was named in her | + | Sauvé was an honorary member of the [[Royal Military College of Canada]] Club H16929. Fort Sauvé at Royal Military College of Canada was named in her honor. |
| − | In 1986 Sauvé accepted on behalf of the | + | In 1986, Sauvé accepted on behalf of the "People of Canada" the [[Nansen Medal]], a prestigious international humanitarian award which is given in recognition of major and sustained efforts made on behalf of [[refugee]]s. This was the first time since the medal's inception in 1954 that the [[United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees]] presented it to an entire population. The Nansen Medal is kept at Rideau Hall. |
Sauvé's enthusiasm for the value of sports led her to establish the '''Jeanne Sauvé Trophy''' for the world cup championship in women's [[field hockey]]. She also created the [[Jeanne Sauvé Fair Play Award]] to recognize national amateur athletes who best demonstrate fair play and non-violence in sport. She also encouraged a safer society in Canada by establishing the [[Governor General's Award for Safety in the Workplace]]. | Sauvé's enthusiasm for the value of sports led her to establish the '''Jeanne Sauvé Trophy''' for the world cup championship in women's [[field hockey]]. She also created the [[Jeanne Sauvé Fair Play Award]] to recognize national amateur athletes who best demonstrate fair play and non-violence in sport. She also encouraged a safer society in Canada by establishing the [[Governor General's Award for Safety in the Workplace]]. | ||
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Sauvé also received a number of distinguished visitors, including: [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|The Queen]] and the [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh|Duke of Edinburgh]], [[Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon|Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother]], [[Andrew, Duke of York|Prince Andrew]] and the [[Sarah, Duchess of York|Duchess of York]], [[Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden|King Carl Gustaf of Sweden]], Queen [[Beatrix of the Netherlands]], King [[Hussein of Jordan]], [[Pope John Paul II]], U.N. Secretary General [[Javier Pérez de Cuéllar]], [[U.S. President]] [[Ronald Reagan]], [[France|French]] President [[François Mitterrand]], Chinese President [[Li Xiannian]]; [[Romania]]n President [[Nicolae Ceauşescu]], as well as the presidents of [[Israel]], [[Tanzania]], [[Italy]], the People's Republic of the [[Republic of the Congo|Congo]], the Republic of [[Cameroon]], [[Iceland]], and the [[Philippines]]. As well, in 1988, Sauvé met with [[Mother Teresa]] of [[Calcutta]] at the [[Citadelle]]. That same year, she opened the [[XV Olympic Winter Games]] in [[Calgary]]. | Sauvé also received a number of distinguished visitors, including: [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|The Queen]] and the [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh|Duke of Edinburgh]], [[Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon|Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother]], [[Andrew, Duke of York|Prince Andrew]] and the [[Sarah, Duchess of York|Duchess of York]], [[Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden|King Carl Gustaf of Sweden]], Queen [[Beatrix of the Netherlands]], King [[Hussein of Jordan]], [[Pope John Paul II]], U.N. Secretary General [[Javier Pérez de Cuéllar]], [[U.S. President]] [[Ronald Reagan]], [[France|French]] President [[François Mitterrand]], Chinese President [[Li Xiannian]]; [[Romania]]n President [[Nicolae Ceauşescu]], as well as the presidents of [[Israel]], [[Tanzania]], [[Italy]], the People's Republic of the [[Republic of the Congo|Congo]], the Republic of [[Cameroon]], [[Iceland]], and the [[Philippines]]. As well, in 1988, Sauvé met with [[Mother Teresa]] of [[Calcutta]] at the [[Citadelle]]. That same year, she opened the [[XV Olympic Winter Games]] in [[Calgary]]. | ||
| − | She also hosted [[Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex|Prince Edward]], who presented the Royal Letters Patent signed by the Queen patriating [[heraldry]] to Canada, which led to the establishment of the [[Canadian Heraldic Authority]]. As the Head of the Canadian Heraldic Authority the Governor General holds the Sovereign's prerogative power and provides for the creation of new heraldic | + | She also hosted [[Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex|Prince Edward]], who presented the Royal Letters Patent signed by the Queen patriating [[heraldry]] to Canada, which led to the establishment of the [[Canadian Heraldic Authority]]. As the Head of the Canadian Heraldic Authority the Governor General holds the Sovereign's prerogative power and provides for the creation of new heraldic honors in the form of coats of arms, flags, badges, and other emblems. |
| − | One of her | + | One of her favorite events was the annual [[Christmas]] party for the Ottawa Boys and Girls Club and its French counterpart, the Patro d'Ottawa. The children came to Rideau Hall for lunch and a visit with [[Santa Claus|Santa]]. Sauvé personally hosted her young guests and wore a paper party hat to celebrate the special occasion.<ref>Wood, 211-113.</ref> |
During his wife's mandate Maurice Sauvé continued to pursue his own business concerns while participating in many Canadian cultural activities. As the spouse of the Governor General, he was made a Companion of the [[Order of Canada]] and was the first male [[Viceregal consort of Canada|viceregal consort]]. | During his wife's mandate Maurice Sauvé continued to pursue his own business concerns while participating in many Canadian cultural activities. As the spouse of the Governor General, he was made a Companion of the [[Order of Canada]] and was the first male [[Viceregal consort of Canada|viceregal consort]]. | ||
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They are interred in the [[Cimetière Notre-Dame-des-Neiges]] in [[Montreal, Quebec]]. | They are interred in the [[Cimetière Notre-Dame-des-Neiges]] in [[Montreal, Quebec]]. | ||
| − | ==Legacy and | + | ==Legacy and honors== |
| − | + | Sauvé was an important national figure. She was one of Canada's first woman [[parliament]] members elected from Quebec, Quebec's first female cabinet minister, the first female Speaker of the House of Commons, and the first woman appointed as Governor General of Canada. She visited several distant and divergent [[nation-state|nations]] during her years in office and, as a symbol of national identity, personally met with a diverse number of foreign officials and leaders. During her lifetime, Sauvé was dedicated to the unification of Canada's citizens above all things. She was also involved in the peace movement and in promoting her country's young people. Her battle with cancer highlighted her strength and inner drive. She made several notable contributions to the Canadian people, women as a whole, and the world community during her tenure in office. | |
| − | * [[Privy | + | |
| + | She received many awards and honors: | ||
| + | |||
| + | * [[Privy councilor (Canada)|Privy councilor]] November 27, 1972,<ref>[https://www.canada.ca/en/privy-council/services/queens.html#S Historical alphabetical list] ''Government of Canada: King's Privy Council for Canada''. Retrieved November 29, 2022.</ref> giving her the style "The Honourable" and postnomial "PC" for life. | ||
* Styled "Her Excellency The Right Honourable" for term as governor general; styled "The Right Honourable" for life after leaving office. | * Styled "Her Excellency The Right Honourable" for term as governor general; styled "The Right Honourable" for life after leaving office. | ||
* Chancellor and Principal Companion of the [[Order of Canada]] for term as governor general; Companion of the order after leaving office. | * Chancellor and Principal Companion of the [[Order of Canada]] for term as governor general; Companion of the order after leaving office. | ||
* Chancellor and Commander of the [[Order of Military Merit (Canada)|Order of Military Merit]] for term as governor general; Commander of the order after leaving office. | * Chancellor and Commander of the [[Order of Military Merit (Canada)|Order of Military Merit]] for term as governor general; Commander of the order after leaving office. | ||
* [[Canadian Forces Decoration]] | * [[Canadian Forces Decoration]] | ||
| − | *Dame Grand Cross of the Order and Prior and Chief Officer in Canada of St John of Jerusalem | + | * Dame Grand Cross of the Order and Prior and Chief Officer in Canada of St John of Jerusalem |
| − | *Dame of Justice in the Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem. | + | * Dame of Justice in the Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem. |
| − | *[[Canadian Centennial Medal]] | + | * [[Canadian Centennial Medal]] |
| − | *[[Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal]] | + | * [[Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal]] |
| − | *Granted arms, crest, and supporters by the College of Arms, | + | * Granted arms, crest, and supporters by the English College of Arms in 1985, then later by the Canadian Heraldic Authority, November 19, 1985.<ref> [https://www.heraldry.ca/content/arms_badges_GG.php Arms of Past and Present Canadian Governors General] ''Royal Heraldry Society of Canada''. Retrieved November 29, 20228.</ref> |
*[[125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal]] | *[[125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal]] | ||
*Honorary doctorate in political science from the [[Chulalongkorn University]] | *Honorary doctorate in political science from the [[Chulalongkorn University]] | ||
*Médaille de la Chancellerie des universités de Paris | *Médaille de la Chancellerie des universités de Paris | ||
| − | |||
| − | + | A number of schools and buildings were named for her including: | |
| + | * Fort Sauvé at the [[Royal Military College of Canada]] in [[Kingston, Ontario]] was named in her honor in 2001. This [[dormitory]] houses 5, 6, and 7 Squadrons. | ||
| + | *[[Collège Jeanne-Sauvé]], a French-immersion high school in [[Winnipeg]], [[Manitoba]], is named after her. | ||
| + | |||
{| width = "100%" cellpadding = 0 cellspacing = 0 | {| width = "100%" cellpadding = 0 cellspacing = 0 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | |width = "100%" bgcolor = "#ccccff" align="left"|'''[[Commonwealth Realm]]s | + | |width = "100%" bgcolor = "#ccccff" align="left"|'''[[Commonwealth Realm]]s honors’'' |
|- | |- | ||
|width = "100%" valign = top| | |width = "100%" valign = top| | ||
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{{ministry box 20}} | {{ministry box 20}} | ||
{{ministry box cabinet posts 4 | | {{ministry box cabinet posts 4 | | ||
| − | + | post1 = [[Minister of State (Canada)|Minister of State]]| | |
| − | + | post1years = 1972-1974| | |
| − | + | post1note = | | |
| − | + | post1preceded = | | |
| − | + | post1followed = | | |
| − | + | post2 = [[Minister of State (Canada)|Minister of State for Science and Technology]]| | |
| − | + | post2years = 1972-1974 | | |
| − | + | post2note = | | |
| − | + | post2preceded = | | |
| − | + | post2followed = | | |
| − | + | post3 = [[Minister of the Environment (Canada)|Minister of the Environment]]| | |
| − | + | post3years = 1974-1975| | |
| − | + | post3note = | | |
| − | + | post3preceded = [[Jack Davis]]| | |
| − | + | post3followed = [[Roméo LeBlanc]] (acting)| | |
| − | + | post4 = [[Minister of Communications (Canada)| Minister of Communications]]| | |
| − | + | post4years = 1975-1979| | |
| − | + | post4note = | | |
| − | + | post4preceded = [[Otto Lang]]| | |
| − | + | post4followed = [[David MacDonald (politician)| David MacDonald]]|}} | |
{{s-par|ca}} | {{s-par|ca}} | ||
{{s-bef| before=[[Jean-Léo Rochon]]}} | {{s-bef| before=[[Jean-Léo Rochon]]}} | ||
| − | {{s-ttl| title=[[Member of Parliament]] for [[Ahuntsic (electoral district)|Ahuntsic]]| years= | + | {{s-ttl| title=[[Member of Parliament]] for [[Ahuntsic (electoral district)|Ahuntsic]]| years=1972–1979}} |
{{s-non|reason= Redistributed between<br/> [[Laval Centre|Laval-des-Rapides]],<br/> [[Saint-Denis (electoral district)|Saint-Denis]] and [[Saint-Michel (electoral district)|Saint-Michel]]}} | {{s-non|reason= Redistributed between<br/> [[Laval Centre|Laval-des-Rapides]],<br/> [[Saint-Denis (electoral district)|Saint-Denis]] and [[Saint-Michel (electoral district)|Saint-Michel]]}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
{{s-new|district|reason=from parts of four other districts}} | {{s-new|district|reason=from parts of four other districts}} | ||
| − | {{s-ttl|title=MP for [[Laval Centre|Laval-des-Rapides]]| years= | + | {{s-ttl|title=MP for [[Laval Centre|Laval-des-Rapides]]| years=1979–1984}} |
{{s-aft| after=[[Raymond Garneau]] | {{s-aft| after=[[Raymond Garneau]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
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before=[[Edward Schreyer]]| | before=[[Edward Schreyer]]| | ||
title=[[Governor General of Canada]]| | title=[[Governor General of Canada]]| | ||
| − | years= | + | years=1984–1990| |
after=[[Ray Hnatyshyn]] | after=[[Ray Hnatyshyn]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{end box}} | {{end box}} | ||
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==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==References== | ||
| + | * Coucill, Irma. ''Canada's Prime Ministers, Governors General and Fathers of Confederation''. Markham, Ontario: Pembroke Publishers Limited, 2005. ISBN 1551381850 | ||
| + | * Greenwood, Barbara. ''Jeanne Sauvé''. Fitzhenry & Whiteside, Limited, 1989. ISBN 0889028540 | ||
| + | * Woods, Shirley E. ''Her Excellency Jeanne Sauvé''. Halifax, Nova Scotia: Formac Publishing Co., 1987. ISBN 0887801498 | ||
| + | [[Category:Biography]] | ||
| + | [[Category:History]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Politicians and reformers]] | ||
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Latest revision as of 17:42, 2 April 2024
| Jeanne Mathilde Sauvé | |
| |
23rd Governor General of Canada
| |
| In office May 14, 1984 – January 29, 1990 | |
| Prime Minister | Pierre Trudeau, John Turner, Brian Mulroney |
|---|---|
| Preceded by | Edward Schreyer |
| Succeeded by | Ray Hnatyshyn |
| Born | April 26, 1922 Prud'homme, Saskatchewan |
| Died | January 26, 1993 (aged 70) Montreal, Quebec |
| Spouse | Maurice Sauvé |
| Profession | Politician, Journalist |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
Jeanne Mathilde Sauvé PC CC CMM CD (née Benoît) (April 26, 1922 – January 26, 1993) was a Canadian journalist, politician, and stateswoman. She was the first woman in Canadian history to become Governor General. She was a notable first female in a variety of additional positions, including Speaker of House the Commons, and was dedicated to the pursuit of peace and the advancement of youth.
Sauvé's main objective was to see to the fulfillment of national unity among Canadians of diverse backgrounds, an agenda she pushed with the utmost enthusiasm. Her tenure was marked by extensive travel and meetings with a variety of esteemed national leaders. Sauvé was also a noted cancer battler whose struggle with the condition ultimately ended with her death in 1993. Several instances of her legacy can be found in the titles of educational institutions and respected awards that bear her name. With so many "firsts" to her name and a record of competency and distinguished service in all her roles, Jeanne Sauvé life of public service is a model for others, men as well as women, to follow.
Early life
Sauvé was born in the Fransaskois community of Prud'homme, Saskatchewan to Charles Albert Benoît and Anna Vaillant. She studied at Notre Dame du Rosaire Convent in Ottawa and at the University of Ottawa. She was actively involved in student and political affairs and became the national president of the Young Catholic Students Group at the age of 20.
On September 24, 1948, she married Maurice Sauvé. Later that year, they moved to Europe, where she earned a diploma in French civilization at the Université de Paris. The couple had one child. Sauvé was a founding member of the Institute of Political Research and for over 28 years had a distinguished career as a journalist and broadcaster with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.[1]
Parliamentary career
She was elected Liberal MP from Montreal in 1972, and was, along with Monique Bégin and Albanie Morin, one of the first three women ever elected to the House of Commons from Quebec. Sauvé became the first woman cabinet member from Quebec as Minister of State for Science and Technology under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. She was re-elected in July 1974 and given the environment portfolio. In 1975, she was appointed Minister of Communications with responsibility for French-speaking countries in the Department of External Affairs. She also opened the first daycare on Parliament Hill.
In 1980, Trudeau appointed her as the first woman Speaker of the House of Commons.
Despite being in the non-partisan role of Speaker, Sauvé campaigned for the "No" forces during the 1980 Quebec referendum. This was possible as all parties in the House of Commons at that time were federalist and because the referendum was provincial, not federal.
As well as presiding over debate, the Speaker of the House of Commons is also responsible for managing expenses and staff. As Speaker she implemented reforms to professionalize the management of the House.
She presided over debates on the Canadian Constitution dealing with filibusters and numerous points of order. She was also Speaker during an Opposition campaign against the Energy Security Act, which culminated in a two-week bell-ringing episode when the Official Opposition's Whip refused to appear on the floor of the Commons to indicate the Opposition was ready for a vote. Despite pressure by the government that she intervene to resolve the deadlock she maintained that it was up to the parties to resolve it themselves through negotiation.
In the winter of 1983, Prime Minister Trudeau announced her appointment as Governor General. She became the second woman in a Commonwealth realm to assume the office, the first being Elmira Minita Gordon of Belize. She was sworn in on May 14, 1984.
Governor general
Sauvé had been a long-time sufferer from cancer. In the weeks leading to her inauguration she unexpectedly became ill, and nearly died in the hospital. She made a surprising recovery, however, and was ultimately able to be sworn in on May 14, 1984, without delay.
Sauvé was a staunch advocate of issues surrounding youth and world peace, and the dove of peace is one of the elements incorporated into Sauvé's coat-of-arms. Long before her vice-regal mandate, she worked as assistant to the Director of the Youth Secretariat of UNESCO, served as Secretary of the Canadian Committee for the World Assembly of Youth, and initiated and hosted a discussion show for youth. At Rideau Hall, she established two awards for students wishing to enter the field of special education for exceptional children. And at the end of her mandate, she established the Jeanne Sauvé Youth Foundation, dedicated to the cause of youth excellence in Canada.
Sauvé's concern for youth and peace were two of the three central themes of her mandate—the third was national unity. She traveled extensively, making her role as Governor General—a largely symbolic office—accessible to all Canadians. In her installation speech she spoke about the need for Canadians to forgo a narrow sense of their nation and to become more tolerant. "This is the price of our happiness," she said, "but happiness will never be found in the spirit of 'every man for himself'."[2]
Sauvé was an honorary member of the Royal Military College of Canada Club H16929. Fort Sauvé at Royal Military College of Canada was named in her honor.
In 1986, Sauvé accepted on behalf of the "People of Canada" the Nansen Medal, a prestigious international humanitarian award which is given in recognition of major and sustained efforts made on behalf of refugees. This was the first time since the medal's inception in 1954 that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees presented it to an entire population. The Nansen Medal is kept at Rideau Hall.
Sauvé's enthusiasm for the value of sports led her to establish the Jeanne Sauvé Trophy for the world cup championship in women's field hockey. She also created the Jeanne Sauvé Fair Play Award to recognize national amateur athletes who best demonstrate fair play and non-violence in sport. She also encouraged a safer society in Canada by establishing the Governor General's Award for Safety in the Workplace.
Sauvé and her love of education and co-existence between French- and English-speaking Canadians led for the first French immersion school in western Canada to be founded in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The school was aptly named Collège Jeanne-Sauvé.
During her term as Governor General Sauvé made state visits to Italy; the Vatican; the People's Republic of China; Thailand, where she received an honorary doctorate in political science from Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok; and to France, where she received the Médaille de la Chancellerie des universités de Paris, La Sorbonne, Paris. She also made a state visit to Uruguay and Brazil, and to commemorate the Brazil visit the "Governor General Jeanne Sauvé Fellowship/Bourse commémorative du Gouverneur général Jeanne Sauvé," an award to be made each year to a Brazilian graduate student in Canadian Studies, was established.
Sauvé also received a number of distinguished visitors, including: The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York, King Carl Gustaf of Sweden, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, King Hussein of Jordan, Pope John Paul II, U.N. Secretary General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, U.S. President Ronald Reagan, French President François Mitterrand, Chinese President Li Xiannian; Romanian President Nicolae Ceauşescu, as well as the presidents of Israel, Tanzania, Italy, the People's Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Cameroon, Iceland, and the Philippines. As well, in 1988, Sauvé met with Mother Teresa of Calcutta at the Citadelle. That same year, she opened the XV Olympic Winter Games in Calgary.
She also hosted Prince Edward, who presented the Royal Letters Patent signed by the Queen patriating heraldry to Canada, which led to the establishment of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. As the Head of the Canadian Heraldic Authority the Governor General holds the Sovereign's prerogative power and provides for the creation of new heraldic honors in the form of coats of arms, flags, badges, and other emblems.
One of her favorite events was the annual Christmas party for the Ottawa Boys and Girls Club and its French counterpart, the Patro d'Ottawa. The children came to Rideau Hall for lunch and a visit with Santa. Sauvé personally hosted her young guests and wore a paper party hat to celebrate the special occasion.[3]
During his wife's mandate Maurice Sauvé continued to pursue his own business concerns while participating in many Canadian cultural activities. As the spouse of the Governor General, he was made a Companion of the Order of Canada and was the first male viceregal consort.
One major criticism of Sauvé was her security concerns surrounding the vice-regal estates, which led to the prohibition of tours of La Citadelle and limited access to Rideau Hall.
Retirement
After completing her term of office as Governor General in 1990 Sauvé retired to Montreal, where she worked to forward the interests of the Jeanne Sauvé Youth Foundation.
She died of cancer on January 26, 1993, aged 70, after a long battle; her husband had died the previous year.
They are interred in the Cimetière Notre-Dame-des-Neiges in Montreal, Quebec.
Legacy and honors
Sauvé was an important national figure. She was one of Canada's first woman parliament members elected from Quebec, Quebec's first female cabinet minister, the first female Speaker of the House of Commons, and the first woman appointed as Governor General of Canada. She visited several distant and divergent nations during her years in office and, as a symbol of national identity, personally met with a diverse number of foreign officials and leaders. During her lifetime, Sauvé was dedicated to the unification of Canada's citizens above all things. She was also involved in the peace movement and in promoting her country's young people. Her battle with cancer highlighted her strength and inner drive. She made several notable contributions to the Canadian people, women as a whole, and the world community during her tenure in office.
She received many awards and honors:
- Privy councilor November 27, 1972,[4] giving her the style "The Honourable" and postnomial "PC" for life.
- Styled "Her Excellency The Right Honourable" for term as governor general; styled "The Right Honourable" for life after leaving office.
- Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order of Canada for term as governor general; Companion of the order after leaving office.
- Chancellor and Commander of the Order of Military Merit for term as governor general; Commander of the order after leaving office.
- Canadian Forces Decoration
- Dame Grand Cross of the Order and Prior and Chief Officer in Canada of St John of Jerusalem
- Dame of Justice in the Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem.
- Canadian Centennial Medal
- Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal
- Granted arms, crest, and supporters by the English College of Arms in 1985, then later by the Canadian Heraldic Authority, November 19, 1985.[5]
- 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal
- Honorary doctorate in political science from the Chulalongkorn University
- Médaille de la Chancellerie des universités de Paris
A number of schools and buildings were named for her including:
- Fort Sauvé at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario was named in her honor in 2001. This dormitory houses 5, 6, and 7 Squadrons.
- Collège Jeanne-Sauvé, a French-immersion high school in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is named after her.
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Notes
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