As the newly chosen head of la Francophonie, Canadian Michaëlle Jean promised a new focus on economic development. The group of French-speaking countries traditionally concentrates on cultural issues. Canada is a member, as are the provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick because of their large French-speaking populations.
Jean was born in Haiti and fled with her to Canada in 1968 to escape the oppressive regime of Francois Duvalier. She became a journalist and was later appointed governor-general of Canada, a mostly ceremonial position as the queen’s representative. She later became UNESCO’s special envoy for Haiti.
Jean lobbied hard to obtain the leadership of la Francophonie, with financial and diplomatic support from the Canadian government.
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