A Canadian In Focus

Adrienne Clarkson¡¯s transformation from refugee to governor general is reminiscent of the classic Cinderella story. She was born in Hong Kong on February 10, 1939 to William Poy and Ethel Lam in a country torn by war. China was in the midst of a war with Japan and the invasion of Hong Kong by the Japanese prompted the Poy family to emigrate to Canada. Chinese immigrants were banned from entering Canada howeve

. . .
For most of her life, Clarkson has endeavoured prejudice because of her race and gender. Canada has been hoarded with issues and events questioning our self-esteem and perception of ourselves as a country. With her wide admiration and influence on the public, Clarkson immediately became recognised and renowned for her work. Not only has Clarkson strived to build cultural awareness in Canada, but she supported the arts, equality, and got involved with her country. Since Clarkson¡¯s appointment, she has won over Canada with her speeches that really reach out to people.

Clarkson has sure come a long way since her times in an Ottawa slum. Her countless contributions to Canada have proven how Clarkson¡¯s importance grew and how it affects us today. Life in Canada was difficult for the Poys. For one, she was a woman and during those times, it was significant to have a female in a male-dominant profession. A combination of her experience as an immigrant and her husband¡¯s philosophies about the issue have made an extraordinary affect on Quebec as the couple are highly respected there. r, Poy¡¯s work with the Canadian Trade Commission and his Australian birth are believed to be what let the Poy family in. During the year of 1982, Clarkson would embark on new horizons once more when she was offered the position of Agent-General to France from 1982-1987. In addition, Clarkson is only the second woman to hold the position of Governor General after Jeanne Sauv¨¦. October 7, 1999 marked a significant day in Clarkson¡¯s life¨Dwhen she became Canada¡¯s twenty-sixth Governor General and clearly the first minority. One of these issues is the French and English controversy that divided this country since Confederation.

Common topics in this essay:
French English, , Adrienne Clarkson, Paris Life, Racial Discrimination, Centre Vienna, Jeanne Sauv¨¦, University Toronto, Governor Clarkson¡¯s, Life Canada, clarkson represented, poy family, university professor, viewers loved, hong kong, adrienne clarkson, clarkson returned, university toronto, means canadian,

Approximate Word count = 1227
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Already a member? Click here