Former Governor-General of Canada to Speak at Athens Democracy Forum on Migration

The Embassy of Canada is honoured to announce the participation of Canada’s former Governor General, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson at the 3rd Athens Democracy Forum, September 13-15, 2015 as a keynote speaker. Madame Clarkson’s keynote address, which will focus on the crucial issue of migration, will be held on Tuesday, September 15 at 8:50 am at Megaron, The Athens Concert Hall, Banquet Hall.

Madame Clarkson served as 26th Governor General of Canada, from October 7, 1999, to September 27, 2005. As the child of immigrants herself from Hong Kong who lost everything in the Second World War, Madame Clarkson knows firsthand the experience of living in an age defined by the greatest mass migrations of people in history. The subject of migration will be the focus of her keynote address at the Athens Democracy Forum.

Born in Hong Kong, Madame Clarkson came to Canada as a refugee in 1942 and settled with her family in Ottawa. She earned an Honours B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from the University of Toronto’s Trinity College before undertaking post-graduate studies at the Sorbonne in France. Madame Clarkson had a rich and distinguished career in broadcasting as a host, writer, producer and director for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Canada’s national network.

Upon ending her term as Governor General of Canada, Madame Clarkson and her spouse, writer Dr. John Ralston Saul, founded the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, a national, non-profit charity that helps accelerate new citizens’ integration into Canadian life. Madame Clarkson has authored three books, her most recent titled “Room For All of Us,” presenting the story of eight extraordinary Canadians who, like herself, immigrated to Canada and have since helped to transform it.

Madame Clarkson has received numerous prestigious awards both in Canada and abroad, in recognition of her outstanding contributions in professional and charitable endeavours. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1992, and upon her appointment as governor-general in 1999, she became Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order of Canada.

As the 26th Governor General of Canada, Madame Clarkson had welcomed former President of the Hellenic Republic Costis Stephanopoulos during his State Visit to Canada in 2000.