Sauvé, Jeanne (1922–1993)

Canadian Liberal politician. She was the first woman to be governor general of Canada 1984–90. In 1974 she was elected to the House of Commons for Ahuntsic. She was appointed minister for science and technology in 1972, minister of the environment in 1974, and minister of communications in 1975. She became the first woman speaker of the House of Commons in 1980.

Sauvé was born in Prud'homme, Saskatchewan, and educated at the universities of Ottawa and Paris, France. She was a freelance journalist and commentator on Canadian Broadcasting Company radio and television before entering politics.