Haitian native, former television journalist and first black governor general, Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean kicked off the 21st Winter Games at the opening ceremonies. She read the traditional words: "I declare open the Games of Vancouver celebrating the 21st Olympic Winter Games."
She was born in Port au Prince, Haiti. She immigrated to Canada with her family in 1968, fleeing the dictatorial regime of the time.
In Canada's parliamentary system. The Prime Minister represents the government, Queen Elizabeth II is the sovereign head of state of Canada, with the powers and authority of the sovereign delegated to the Governor General of Canada.
Michaelle Jean is in effect the Canadian head of state. The term is for five years but can be extended for up to seven years.
While her role as the 27th Governor General is mostly symbolic and ceremonial, she is not only the Commander in Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces, it also includes among other duties promoting unity and culture within Canada and giving Royal Assent to bills passed by the House of Commons and the Senate, the final step in Canadian lawmaking.
Michaëlle Jean became Canada’s 27th governor general in September 2005.
