8 September

Hong Kong born broadcaster Adrienne Clarkson has been announced as Canada’s new Governor-General. She is the second woman to hold the post; the first was Jeanne Sauve from 1984 to 1990. The appointment breaks a long tradition of the appointment of former politicians to the largely ceremonial post. Announcing the appointment, Prime Minister Jean Chretien was asked about Canada retaining the British monarchy with the British monarch continuing as head of state in Canada in the light of Australia’s coming referendum, he said,” There is no controversy in Canada. There is no big drama in Canada.” Changes to the Canadian constitution require the unanimous approval of the federal government and the ten provincial governments.