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Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff is calling for an extension to Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean's five-year term as the Queen's representative in Canada.
Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean is seen in this April 23, 2010 photo as she visits Sal Island in Cape Verde, the last stop on her African tour. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press) Ignatieff was consulted by the Canadian Secretary to the Queen at the request of the prime minister for suggestions on a successor to Jean, the Liberal Party said Sunday.
"Mr. Ignatieff strongly urged, instead, that Ms. Jean's term be extended," the party said.
Jean's time as Governor General is set to end Sept. 27.
"Michaëlle Jean has served her country with distinction and honour,” Ignatieff said, citing her involvement after the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti as an example. "She deserves our thanks and our gratitude."
He said Canadians were "deeply moved by her strong and passionate performance" after the quake in her homeland, which is said to have killed more than 200,000 people.
'I can’t imagine a better role model for young Canadians, particularly young girls.'—Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff
He said Jean has also been a powerful advocate for aboriginal and Arctic peoples, and a proud commander-in-chief who has stood alongside Canadian troops in Afghanistan.
"As a francophone woman who overcame great obstacles to get where she is today, and as the first black Canadian appointed as governor general, I can’t imagine a better role model for young Canadians, particularly young girls," Ignatieff said.
Ignatieff said Jean has done a "remarkable job" in both Haiti and Africa and her term should be extended for a "certain period of time."
Harper recently announced he would not be extending Jean's term.
Several names have been floated as potential successors, including disabled rights campaigner Rick Hansen; former chief of defence staff John de Chastelain; Inuit leader Mary Simon and Reform Party founder Preston Manning.
The terms of other governors general have been extended, including those of Roland Michener, Jeanne Sauvé and Adrienne Clarkson.
With files from The Canadian PressShare Tools
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