Trudeaus charm Penticton
B.C. Family Day at Gyro Park never attracts thousands of people. But, Monday was different. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau were in attendance.
The two spoke briefly to the large crowd, most who learned only 24 hours before when their surprise appearance was announced online.
“Anytime I come to the Okanagan, I reflect on the strength of the land and the strength of the people. Whether talking about the wineries, farms or extraordinary draw of tourism to these lands,” Trudeau told the crowd. It’s incredibly important that we be welcoming, but we also be responsible.”
Dressed in blue jeans and running shoes, Trudeau spoke for two minutes and then greeted the crowd and posed for selfies.
He was joined on stage by Mayor Andrew Jakubeit, the six members of city council, MLA Dan Ashton and member of Parliament Richard Cannings.
Trudeau had kind words for Cannings, who represents the NDP in South Okanagan West Kootenay.
“Richard and I disagree on some things, but we agree on a lot of things,” Trudeau said. “One of the things we both agree on is how politics needs to be done which is with openess, respect, listening and always focussing on bringing people together.”
Cannings, who has lived most of his life in Penticton, said the last time a sitting Canadian prime minister was at an open event in Penticton was when Trudeau’s father came in the late-1960s.
Former prime minister Stephen Harper attended a rally here in 2015, but it was an invite-only event.
Jakubeit referenced that and even joked that Trudeau “didn’t ride up on a jet-ski,” a playful jab at former MP Stockwell Day.
Jakubeit also recognized Penticton resident Brigid Kemp, who recently received the Queens Sovereign Medal, in recognition of volunteer service. Kemp met briefly with Trudeau afterward.
The Trudeaus brought their three children on their B.C. tour, which included attending the Vancouver Pride parade. The Trudeau kids were not in attendance at Monday’s event.
Gregoire Trudeau also drew loud cheers from the audience.
“I know it’s not easy for so many families across the country,” she said. “We hold you in our hearts. Every day when we go to work and decide what we want to do to help, we think of you.
“I’m raising three kids and my only wish for them and all of you is that we live with not only seeing the difference between ourselves, but not feeling them. Coming together is going to make this the best country ever.”
Those in attendance were impressed.
“It’s so unbelievable that Justin Trudeau was here. His speech was beautiful,” said Kevin Styba-Nelson, a Grade 12 student at Princess Margaret Secondary School. “He touched on important issues without it becoming political.”
Russ Silvius of Penticton attended with his wife and two daughters, ages 7 and 12. His eldest daughter was thrilled to be able to shake the prime minister’s hand. His youngest didn’t know who he was.
“It’s nice that she (Gregoire Trudeau) brought up families because we’re a young family,” Silvius said. “My youngest daughter is only seven. We gave her a crash course in who Justin Trudeau is. I’m not sure if in her lifetime she’ll ever have the chance to see another Canadian prime minister at an event like this in Penticton. I know I won’t.”
Jodi Bird of Penticton was impressed with Gregoire Trudeau.
“She is so well-spoken and touched on important issues. It’s exciting to be here and see a Canadian prime minister live and in person.”
Tracy Robinson from Kaleden brought her two teenage daughters with her.
“I thought it was awesome,” Robinson said. “You don’t see a Canadian prime minister every day in Penticton. His speech was excellent.”
Former city councillor John Vassilaki likes the energy Trudeau brings to the job.
“He’s a charismatic-type guy, he’s young and he’s positive, the kind of leader who we haven’t had for a long time,” Vassilaki said.
There was only a scant number of boos from the crowd. There were about a dozen protest signs in the background on issues including saving orcas, proportional representation and the Kinder Morgan pipeline. One protester was removed from the crowd by police.
The event was presented by Lynn Allin and the Downtown Penticton Association.
Also in the crowd was Melanie Joly, the newly-appointed Minister of Tourism Official Languages and La Francophonie and Kelowna-Lake Country MP Stephen Fuhr.
Trudeau did not participate in a media scrum.
Trudeau also visited Granny’s Fruit Stand in Summerland, Monday, where he bought local nectarines and berry syrup.