When Pierre Trudeau was the Prime Minister of Canada, a very good friend of mine lived in his constituency and voted for him. He was the P.M. but also her Member of Parliament. As a certified accountant, she was getting the run-around, as she applied over and over for a job consistent with her qualifications. Very desperate, she wrote a letter to the P.M. explaining in no uncertain terms her predicament. She was not expecting an answer and she was prepared for that. But very soon after the letter was sent, surprisingly, she got a phone call to report for an interview with the Federal Government. It was successful. She worked for the Federal government as a civil servant and later was seconded from Canada to the Government of Malawi in Africa where she did the Malawian and Canadian governments proud.
Our last P.M. Justin Trudeau, son of P.M. Pierre Trudeau, is from that environment where people come before wealth and power. Justin, who has been our P.M. for almost ten years, will also go down in history as a great Canadian Prime Minister.
P.M. Pierre and P.M. Justin, both know of the great wealth of Canada but have never attempted to make Canada great at the expense of social harmony by over-harvesting its minerals and natural resources. They have been consistent in putting human beings and their welfare first. Like all human beings, both have made mistakes, but these should not overshadow the good.
To look more carefully at P.M. Justin Trudeau, one of his first initiatives was to undertake to make his cabinet one of gender parity. That was a very bold step for Canada and for the world, as it dignified women and acknowledged their strength and importance. It was a welcome move since most countries exist under the assumption that this is a man’s world. You will agree with me, that the very talented female appointees to the P.M.’s cabinet have all made us proud.
His actions during Covid 19, his relentless attempt to reduce the suffering of Canadians as much as possible, must earn him some praise. He went overboard to make sure that everyone was taken care of, getting medical attention and having food on the table. He must be commended for government interventions during this crisis. Child-care and dental care are also two areas where P.M. Trudeau and his government can take much credit. Children, our future, must be supported and taken care of at any cost.
You will agree with me that there is never a speech given by P.M. Trudeau where he does not declare his undying love and loyalty for Canadians and for Canada, the true North Strong and Free, from coast to coast to coast. It is that energy that is being used to defend the sovereignty of Canada and its economic growth and success.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is no longer Canada’s P.M. but I hope his “humanity first” position will continue with his successor.
WHAT’S UP THE USA?
Aren’t we all tired of the present predicament?! Some years ago, at one of my workshops, a young man shared a story with the group. It happened while he was in High School. An older, bigger boy from a senior form asked him to share his lunch, to give him half of it. He refused and offered him some of it, but not as much as half. The older boy insisted he wanted no less than half. The smaller boy refused. He was punched and his lunch fell on the ground. The bigger boy stomped on the scattered lunch, spat on it, wagged his finger in the smaller boy’s face and remarked that if he could not have half, then they will both lose the lunch. He went on to say to the younger boy that he better not retaliate and warned if he reported the incident, he would take his punishment but he would be back. While this story generated strong comments on ways to fight back a bully, one fear everyone had was of escalation of the situation. The victim is always looking for peace, while the troublemaker insists on having his demand met at all costs.
Cheers speak volumes! IN 1978, I was fortunate to represent Canada at FESTAC in Nigeria Africa. There was a large contingent of Black Americans and from all over the diaspora. At the opening ceremony and as different countries marched around, the spectators would cheer loudly or softly or even at times a group would be booed. One of the great surprises was while the US paraded forward, despite the size of their donations towards welfare of African countries, the ovation was small with spots of disapproval. I must say proudly that Canada got a loud and sustained applause. Why? Canada was seen and still is seen all over the world as a country of peacemaking. Its soldiers have been sent all over the world, not to fight but to help to keep peace. Keeping peace is saving humanity. This has been Canada’s role. One of its P.M.s, Lester B. Pearson, has even received a Nobel Peace award.
People all over the world are fleeing from hopelessness seeking refuge in other countries where they might find safety and a hopeful future. Canada has always maintained an open and welcoming spirit to those in need. One of Canada’s greatest strengths has been the outcome of its welcome and support to immigrants and refugees, many of whom have made significant contributions to their new-found country. They invested in Canada, educated their children and contributed through hard work and patriotism. Many of us count ourselves among these numbers.
Canada is also known and respected for its impartiality. On several occasions, it has been invited to oversee elections to ensure that principles of democracy were upheld as it supervised elections. This is the Canada that Canadians will maintain. This is the Canada that, despite its harsh winters, I have chosen over the warm white-sand beaches I left behind in Jamaica. Canada offered me a good life, not perfect, but nothing is perfect.
P.M. Trudeau did well to maintain the Canada we all love throughout some very challenging times. Thanks for your leadership, Justin Trudeau! We wish you all the very best for your future!
