Here’s a list of 7 notable Canadian women with strong links to the United States—a way to bridge Canada Day and the 4th of July with some cross-border admiration. These women come from a variety of fields including diplomacy, entertainment, law, and activism. Each has made significant contributions and embodies the Canada–US connection in her own unique way.
🇨🇦🇺🇸 Canadian Women with Strong Links to the United States
1. Samantha Bee (b. October 25, 1969)
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| Samantha Bee- Wikipedia |
Field: Comedy, Television
Born in Toronto, Samantha Bee rose to fame as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart in the U.S. She became a dual citizen in 2014 and launched her own satirical news show, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, on TBS. Her sharp political commentary often bridged Canadian perspective with U.S. current affairs.
US Link: Dual citizen; built her career in U.S. media.
2. Michaëlle Jean (b. September 6, 1957)
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| Michaëlle Jean- ca unage,search,yahoo.com |
Field: Journalism, Diplomacy
Born in Haiti, Michaëlle Jean came to Canada as a refugee and became the 27th Governor General of Canada (2005–2010). She was educated in Montreal and has also worked extensively in the U.S. through UNESCO and the International Organisation of La Francophonie, partnering with both American and Canadian agencies.
US Link: Global diplomatic roles connecting Canada–U.S. and broader Western hemispheric issues.
3. Mary Pickford (April 8, 1892 – May 29, 1979)
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| Mary Pickford Wikipedia |
Field: Film
Born in Toronto, Mary Pickford moved to the U.S. and became a silent film icon and co-founder of United Artists alongside Charlie Chaplin and others. Though she became an American citizen, she always identified with her Canadian roots and is considered one of Canada’s greatest cultural exports.
US Link: Hollywood film pioneer; U.S. citizen but retained strong Canadian identity.
4. Adrienne Clarkson (b. February 10, 1939)
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| Adrienne Clarkson- ca.images.search.yahoo.com |
Field: Broadcasting, Governance
Clarkson was born in Hong Kong, immigrated to Canada, and became an influential broadcaster and the 26th Governor General of Canada (1999–2005). She studied at the University of Toronto and then earned a Master's degree from the University of Oxford. She has worked with U.S. officials on immigration and refugee policy, particularly post-9/11.
US Link: Collaborated with American partners on refugee programs and North American policy forums.
5. Margaret Atwood (b. November 18, 1939)
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| Margaret Atwood- Wikipedia |
Field: Literature
Internationally renowned author of The Handmaid’s Tale, Atwood has taught at several U.S. universities, including Harvard, and her dystopian novels—many set in North America—resonate strongly with U.S. audiences. She maintains a dual presence in both Canadian and American literary circles.
US Link: Taught at U.S. universities; The Handmaid’s Tale was adapted into a major American TV series.
6. Geena Davis (b. January 21, 1956)
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| Geena Davis- Wikipedia |
Field: Acting, Activism
Though born in Massachusetts, Oscar-winning actress Geena Davis became a Canadian citizen through marriage to Canadian director Reza Jarrahy. She founded the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, which has collaborated with Canadian broadcasters and educational organizations.
US Link: American by birth, Canadian by marriage; gender equity activist working across both countries.
7. Louise Arbour (b. February 10, 1947)
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| Louise Arbour- ca.images.search.yahoo.com |
Field: Law, Human Rights
A former Supreme Court justice, Arbour served as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and worked closely with U.S. institutions on international law and justice. She has been a visiting professor at Yale and worked with U.S.-based think tanks.
US Link: Collaborated on international legal initiatives and taught at U.S. universities.
These remarkable women embody the enduring friendship between Canada and the U.S., proving that leadership, talent, and impact know no borders.
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