On August 11th, I experienced in a small way the heady days of Trudeau mania when Pierre Trudeau’s eldest son Justin, MP for Papineau, toured our riding. We crisscrossed Northumberland–Quinte West, attending events that dealt with everything from volunteerism in Canada to youth issues.
Justin started the day by giving a rousing speech to volunteer groups hosted by Community Living Campbellford/Brighton. Justin was able to talk about the importance we can all make, the true power of volunteerism when as an individual we choose to make whatever difference we can. I echoed Justin’s remarks in thanking him by saying how important a change we can all make to this country when we decide to volunteer our time and talents to make Canada a better place. To hear what Justin had to say, click on the video below:
We were then hosted by Kelsey’s in Trenton where Justin’s presence at lunch caused quite a stir. Justin was able to meet countless residents in a fun and casual atmosphere with citizens who came from far and wide to see Justin up close and in person.

Justin then continued to CFB Trenton to meet with senior cadets in a roundtable of wide ranging topics from post secondary education to taxation. The senior cadets were encouraged to discuss whatever was on their minds with Justin and the discussion was both spirited and penetrating. The cadets were able to ask serious questions about the things that matter most to them. Then Justin met a large group of younger cadets for a fun talk and question and answer session. Hands flew up in order to ask Justin everything from what is it like to be famous to how parliament works. The visit was exceptional as the young people present were filled with such unbridled enthusiasm. Justin got to see first hand what an exceptional personal leadership program this really is.

We continued on to Cobourg for the Northumberland United Way’s (NUW) Backpack for School Program, in which students in need receive backpacks full of supplies for starting school in September. The NUW was being assisted that day by children from the Victoria Park Day Care – an excellent group of volunteer organizers. JUstin had the children laughing when he suggested they jump in a big box of pack backs like a pile of fall leaves. It was really a treat to watch Justin interact with the kids. He also signed a special commemorative banner celebrating Victoria Day Care’s 25th anniversary this year. This is an amazing program and I was thrilled to be able to bring Justin to this event.
We then headed to the home of Dr. Mark and Elaine Azzopardi for wood-fired pizzas and other treats. It was am amazing event where campaign volunteers got a very well deserved thank you for all their efforts. Over 50 people from across the riding came out so that they could meet Justin but most importantly so I could say thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart for all their support on my campaign journey.
I want to thank all those individuals and organizations who gave so much of themselves to make our day in the riding with Justin so truly special. We were able to highlight for Justin what an extraordinary riding this is, made up of some of the most generous people he will ever meet.






