April 10, 2010
Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, on the death of President Lech Kaczynski.
President Lech Kaczynski
OTTAWA – It was with shock and deep sadness that my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I learned of the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of President Lech Kaczynski and all passengers and crew in Smolensk, Russia.
A brave champion of freedom and patriotic pride, as well as a pioneer of the Solidarity movement, President Kaczynski had devoted all of his energy to serving his people. His election as president of the Republic of Poland in 2005 had led him, together with his twin brother, former Prime Minister Jaroslav Kaczynski, to embark on comprehensive reforms to improve his country’s institutions.
On behalf of all Canadians, we wish to extend our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.
Our thoughts are with Canada’s Polish community, which is in shock and which we know had great affection and admiration for President Kaczynski.
Michaëlle Jean
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President Lech Kaczynski
- Born: 18-Jun–1949
- Birthplace: Warsaw, Poland
- Died: 10-Apr–2010
- Location of death: Smolensk, Russia
- Cause of death: Accident – Airplane
- Gender: Male
- Religion: Roman Catholic
- Race or Ethnicity: White
- Sexual orientation: Straight
- Occupation: Head of State
- Nationality: Poland
- Executive summary: President of Poland, 2005-10
Anti-communist and trade union activist who became President of Poland. Former Polish Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczynski is his identical twin.
- Father: Rajmund Kaczynski
- Mother: Jadwiga
- Brother: Jarosław (his twin, b. 18-Jun-1949)
- Wife: Maria (economist, d. 10-Apr-2010 plane crash, one daughter)
- Daughter: Marta
