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Ma’am is a short form of Madam or Madame, the polite form of address for a woman.
Officers in the Canadian Armed Forces are addressed as Ma’am (for women) or Sir (for men).
The governor general is addressed as Madame followed by her family name.
The Speaker of the House of Commons is addressed as Madam Speaker or Madame Speaker.
Other dignitaries, both Canadian and foreign, are often referred to as Madame followed by the family name.
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