Mrs. Diana Fowler LeBlanc,
C.C., B.S.W., D.U.
Diana
Fowler LeBlanc's passionate commitment to the advancement of social issues stems from her recent social work studies and
her many years' work in related fields in Britain.
Born in Toronto, Diana Fowler was educated at King's Hall, Compton, Quebec, and obtained a diploma in French Civilization
from the University of Paris in 1959. In 1996, Mrs. LeBlanc earned a Bachelor of Social Work from McGill University,
completing the studies she began as a mature student before her husband was appointed Governor General. In 1998, Mrs.
LeBlanc received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Ottawa.
In 1960, Mrs. LeBlanc worked at Radio-Canada in Paris and, later, at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in London,
England. From 1969 to 1980, Mrs. LeBlanc held various administrative positions in medical and legal fields. She
was a medical conference organizer from 1980 to 1989, and was involved in a number of educational and research
projects for the British Heart Foundation and the British and International Societies for the Prevention of Child Abuse
and Neglect. During this period, Mrs. LeBlanc also organized educational courses in developmental paediatrics for doctors
and therapists specializing in childhood diseases. She served as Committee Secretary for Libertas, a non-profit charity
for people with disabilities, and did volunteer work for Mobility Trust, a charitable organization for people with impaired
mobility.
Mrs. LeBlanc traveled extensively with her husband representing the Office of the Governor General throughout Canada and
abroad. She also undertook an independent program of events and speaking engagements in the areas of her special interests
which include, among others, palliative care, Native issues, breast cancer research, children at risk, persons with disabilities,
and mental health issues. With her husband, Mrs. LeBlanc actively participated in official functions ranging from national
award ceremonies (including the Governor General's Caring Canadian Awards, the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards,
and the Order of Canada investiture) to State functions where she welcomed political, religious and business leaders from
around the world.
Mrs. LeBlanc served as honorary patron of a number of organizations, including the Canadian Palliative Care Association,
the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology, the Canadian Paediatric Foundation
and Society, and the Centre for Studies of Children at Risk, and, with her husband, was patron of many other organizations
including the National Native Role Model Program. Mrs. LeBlanc is honorary chair of the The
Diana Fowler LeBlanc Aboriginal Social Work Scholarship. She created this scholarship to enable more Aboriginal students
to pursue studies in social work at recognized universities and colleges across Canada. Mrs. LeBlanc was also honorary president
of the Girl Guides of Canada, and honorary colonel of the 412 (Transport) Squadron.
Mr. and Mrs. LeBlanc have four children.
For more details, read some of Her Excellency's speeches.
