Just wanted to write a quick post about the EV reception held on October 19th at Hy's in Ottawa.
Tonight's reception was superb. Never have I been surrounded by so many important women and role models. Carolyn Bennett, Oni Joseph, Jennifer Hunter and so many more.
The event was well attended. The speeches made we graciously and cordial. We were informed that EV's "Talk Tough not Rough" campaign to have a day to "elevate debate in the House" went well. The debate in Question Period today was different than others in that it was respectful. This can be attributed to EV and the fact that EV brought a group a young girls to the public gallery!
Hooray for Women in Politics!
As promised, these are my thoughts on Belinda: The Political and Private Life of Belinda Stronach by Don Martin. I should note here at the beginning, before you read further that I am by no means an English student, book reviewer or writer. As I said in my description (on the right hand side of this page) I am simply a Canadian politics junkie and an avid reader. These are my thoughts, if you've read the book I encourage you to share yours.
"She is all about glamour, the glitz, the controversy, and yes, the sex appeal of Stronach’s dabbling in politics… Certainly, Stronach hasn’t done politics the Old Boys’ way and she has dared to be different.”--- Winnipeg Free Press
Daring to be different, ahhh what a great thing that this.
Hard at times but also wonderful.
Being a female politician is often viewed as different considering the average of women in the House of Commons compared to men. Yet here is a woman who not only got elected but ran for Leadership then crossed the floor.
Belinda Stronach's biography is entertaining and intelligent. It takes you into her life and the world of the rich and famous. You experience first hand the events and thought process behind her crossing the floor from the Conservative Party of Canada to the Liberal Party of Canada. An action that she was highly criticized for. Most will argue she was attacked more viciously than any man that has crossed the floor. The book describes her feelings toward the same sex marriage vote and being in caucus with Stephen Harper.
The book covers many aspects of Stronach changing parties including the role of Martha Hall-Findlay (who went to my high school in Meaford, how cool is that!?). Findlay had won the candidate nomination in that riding but stepped aside when Stronach crossed the floor. An honourable yet, I imagine, very difficulty thing to do. Findlay is now the MP for Willowdale and continues to be a strong female politician and activist.
After crossing the floor Stronach was called a dog by her ex-boyfriend Peter MacKay. This biography also has juicy details about their conversation the night before she switched parties and her reaction to MacKay's heartfelt media filmed response to her actions.
However, MacKay wasn't the only Tory to make comments about Stronach. Here is a FUN FACT: After the leadership race was over Belinda donated money to Tony Clement because he was in so much debt from campaigning against her and Stephen Harper. He then ungraciously, after accepting thousands of dollars, made rude comments about her switching parties. Wowzaaa.
Although Belinda Stronach may be scandalous, her biography is absolutely worthwhile. I would encourage anyone interested in the private aspect of our public servants to pick up a copy.
- Kaisha Thompson
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