Gov. Gen. Clarkson hospitalized for pacemaker operation

OTTAWA (CP) - Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson was unexpectedly admitted to a Toronto hospital with heart problems Friday and scheduled to undergo surgery. She was to have a pacemaker implanted over the weekend after doctors noticed an abnormality during a routine checkup. Clarkson - whose term is set to expire in September - will take a break from her duties while recovering. "She's in very good spirits," said her spokesman Randy Mylyk.

"For the moment, we've suspended our activities but . . . she certainly hopes to continue with her program."

He declined to provide any further details, including the name of the Toronto hospital, citing her privacy.

The chief justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, Beverley McLachlin, is also the deputy governor general and would fill in for Clarkson if she were unable to perform her duties, such as presiding over a cabinet shuffle.