Photo Credit: Andrew Tolson.

The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson

The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson arrived in Canada from Hong Kong with her family in 1942 and made the astonishing journey from penniless child refugee to accomplished broadcaster, journalist and distinguished public servant in a multi-faceted lifetime. Madame Clarkson was Canada’s 26th Governor General from 1999-2005.

When she left Rideau Hall, she co-founded the Institute for Canadian Citizenship which helps new citizens to feel involved and included in Canadian life. The ICC offers a one-of-a-kind program, Canoo Cultural Access Pass, an app that gives newcomers free VIP access to +1,400 of Canada’s best cultural and outdoor experiences along with exclusive deals from exclusive brands. As well, the ICC has hosted 6 Degrees events — a global forum on citizenship, immigration, inclusion, and diversity in the 21st century – across many cities including Toronto, Mexico City, Berlin, Montreal and Calgary.

Among her many merits and awards, Madame Clarkson is a Companion of the Order of Canada and has received 26 Honorary Degrees from universities in Canada and abroad. She is also an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, the Royal Conservatory of Music, and Trinity College. Recently, Madame Clarkson received the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Madame Clarkson is the bestselling author of the 2014 CBC Massey Lectures Belonging: The Paradox of Citizenship; Room for All of Us: Surprising Stories of Loss and Transformation; Heart Matters: A Memoir; and Extraordinary Canadians: Norman Bethune a biography of Dr. Norman Bethune.