Celebrating the first year anniversary of the #Trudeau government #CdnPoli
I close my eyes and I can see my seven year old self touring the Canadian Parliament. My ponytail bouncing as I stared around me in wonder at all the amazing people that had walked those halls before me. I distinctly remember the Parliamentary library, its rich wood and countless books glistening as the light cast sunbeams on their smooth shiny spines. I remember thinking how much this library resembled the Beauty and the Beast library and how I wish I could live in that one room. Politics, politicians, and lawmakers seemed so foreign, so distant a concept from anything I knew at the time.
A few years later I was asked to interview a parent about someone they considered to be their hero. It was the first time I saw that glimmer of passion and reverence in my father’s eyes. He shared a story with me that I had never before heard. I distinctly remember the feeling of pride I felt to hear this side of my Papa.
Forty three years ago, my father sat in a one bedroom apartment in Germany, surrounded by his four roommates watching television one day. He listened to a speech by a foreign politician that struck a chord inside of him.
This speech led him to move his new wife, infant daughter and himself halfway across the world on Christmas Day of 1974. That day changed the course of his entire life, and the life of his children, and now my children.
Fast forward many years.
Last week, I was honoured to accept an invitation on behalf of local Montreal MP’s Peter Schiefke, Frank Baylis and Francis Scarpaleggia to join them on the Hill for a private tour of Parliament and to share some of my own questions and concerns with them on the Anniversary of the Trudeau government’s first year in office.
The day seemed almost surreal. It made my inner political junkie squeal with glee. I had come such a long way from that seven year old me. My eyes still filled with that same wonder but it was not from a sense of foreign excitement, but rather a sense of pride in our current government, what they stand for and my own reverence for my Canadian identity.
I walked the halls of the Canadian Parliament with a profound respect for what those who had walked before me had accomplished in those same corridors. A pride that resonated through every inch of the beautifully crafted architecture of Center Block, the House of Commons and the breathtaking fiery red Senate. Oh, and the Parliamentary library, I got to visit it once again as an adult and yes, it still looks like the library from Beauty and the Beast.
I was deeply honoured to be given the tour by these three MPs and to have small, important details pointed out to me as we walked the halls. We stopped, in a moment of reflection at that same spot in Center Block where the terrorist had entered the building and was shot just outside of the Parliamentary library two years ago. The bullet holes were still visible in the wall. Mr. Shiefke described that day, what happened and how security reacted to serve and protect. It gave me goosebumps and angered me that someone could violate the sanctity of those majestic halls and establishment.
The tour was exciting however what really resonated with me was being able to ask questions that matter most to me, and to many of you whom I represent. Those of you who take the time to email me, DM me, ask me questions on Facebook and Twitter, thank you.
These politicians represent their people; those who reside in their ridings. What I wanted to know was what their offices were doing to reach out to ALL those residing in their ridings; specifically those who belong to marginalized communities, culturally diverse backgrounds, immigrants, refugees and even those who may have been born here but do not identify with the Canadian identity. It feels foreign to them. You see growing up, I knew that reality. Politics was going to the polls and choosing which white man seemed to say the right things. The irony lies in the fact that I write this on the day that our neighbours to the south are choosing their next President.
My faith in this government was strengthened in learning of the steps these politicians are taking to reach out to their constituents. It’s not about governance behind closed doors but rather with open doors and open minds. MP Peter Shiefke spoke about the town hall he holds once a month in his riding of Vaudreuil Soulanges. I love it when I see politicians using Facebook to reach out to their constituents, to reach out to fellow Canadians and share what they are working on. This is what our nation needs. This is what we need. This government has restored a fond sense of pride within Canadians. ALL Canadians. We feel a sense of pride, of ownership and of belonging. The same sense of belonging that had been stripped away from many of us with the previous government. Our Prime Minister is accessible, engaged and takes a killer selfie.
While I didn’t get that selfie with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that hovers near the top of my bucket list, I did get to fill my tall cup of Canadian pride, allow its warmth to permeate my identity and rekindle my love affair with our nation that is as diverse as its landscape.
DISCLOSURE: I would like to thank the offices of MP’s Peter Schiefke, Frank Baylis and Francis Scarpaleggia for the invitation. Please note that as always, all opinions are 100% my own.
What an amazing opportunity. Not many people get to do something like that.
Oh wow. I cannot even imagine being able to do something like that here in the states. P.S. That architecture is amazing.
Reading this it makes me proud to be a Canadian. We are such a diverse country. I remember touring the Parliament Buildings when I was in school. I will have to go back and take it all in with adult eyes.
It’s been years since I’ve toured the Parliament Buildings. You are right when you say the library is like the one from Beauty and the Beast. It’s huge!
What a great opportunity. Not many have a chance to do something like that. Loved it!
Wow, thank you for sharing your story, and what a unique opportunity. I love all of the architecture too!
That is an amazing building. What a cool tour.
This would be an amazing experience. I have always wanted to go on a private tour of Parliament . The buildings are amazing.
It must have been amazing to have a private tour of Parliament . These are great photos. This was such a great opportunity for you.
Oh my goodness! What an awesome experience. The Parliament Buildings are simply gorgeous!
I think that is so cool that you got to meet people you admire. What a lovely thing to have accomplished!
This must have been so amazing for you! Thank you for all of the history too!
I love reading about other cultures, such an amazing experience! That building is beautiful
I love the photos! Looks like you had a great time. That would have been a lot of fun to be able to visit there.
What an amazing opportunity! Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
Wow! What an amazing opportunity for you! The buildings are beyond stunning!
What a Bucket list experience and so wonderful that you have the photographic proof that it took place!! So completely awed by your pics and your post!
What an amazing experience, and such a great way to feel connected. Maybe one day you’ll get that pic!
It’s been a long time since I have been inside Parliament. This is a very god piece and I am glad you visited. It really is a stunning building and such a glowing symbol of Canadian pride. I hope you get your selfie one day with the PM. I would love to see a post regarding what is happening in the US right now and the Bring Trump politics to Canada crap told from your perspective, lady. I am surprised it has been one year – seems like yesterday we voted here and celebrated Trudeau. I am proud always of this particular administration and recently told many new friends from the US while on a trip to Zambia that Canada was the best country in the world and why. They were super enamoured with Trudeau as a model to the world. I didn’t dream that a few weeks after that conversation people would be talking about a Trump presidency, or a bring Trump style to Canada program. I am horrified and terrified at this shocking turn that has already brought more racism, and hate across the border. I hope Canada and Trudeau can battle this and that we all remember what matters here and what Canada is all about.
What a beautiful place & a beautiful experience for you!
It is hard to believe it has been a year already. While not everyone loves Justin, I do feel like he is much more relatable then many of our other PMs. I love the openness and point of view he brings to our country.
sounds like an incredible experience!
Such an amazing experience for you and I can’t believe that it’s been a year already. This was really interesting to read.