To the editor:
I've never had much to do with politics until this last election when, fed up with the Harper government, I decided to support Stephen Fuhr. The more I saw of Stephen, the more I liked his commitment and dedication to Canada and the more I saw of Justin Trudeau's platform, the more I liked it. So far, I am delighted with this government that is so very different from any previous one, especially the last one.
Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau had not really entered my consciousness until, flipping through channels on Thursday, I saw the Trudeaus in Washington and there was a clip of Michelle Obama and Sophie talking at a Let the Girls Learn group. I was struck by the ease, friendliness sand passion of the two women but especially by Sophie. As she spoke I was amazed at her eloquence, commitment and powerful manner. How had I not noticed this woman before? I did see her election night with her hand to her breast as an act of commitment beside Justin. I thought fleetingly how together they seemed. For me, however, she was in the background as wife and mother. I knew she had graduated from McGill as I had lived in Montreal some years. Of course she had a good education, as she was upper class.
Sophie spoke brightly at this Let the Girls Learn session about how young people are leaders and young girls know their rights and should fight for those rights. I discovered she is an activist for women's rights, for education for young girls, a volunteer and a spokesperson for many causes, all ones I respect.
She was wearing a red dress with floral inserts designed by a Canadian designer. Not French or American but Canadian! This same Canadian designed her evening dress.
I will follow Sophie more closely now and I have a new respect, admiration and joy to see her. How very fitting that we have a young family in leadership of our country, one in which both parents are educated, wise, compassionate and committed to making this country of ours, a better, more open and compassionate one, bringing Canada once more into the forefront of the world's "good" places to live. How very blessed we are and how wise we were to vote for them?
Florence Masson, Kelowna