Thank you, Justin!
As we near the end of your tenure as Prime Minister and Leader of the Liberal Party, I am filled with a multitude of emotions. My own journey in federal politics began in 2019 when you asked me to join you and the Liberal Party as the candidate for Saint-Leonard—Saint-Michel. It has been both an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Saint-Leonard—Saint-Michel for the past five years.
While every Liberal Member of Parliament shares their own special relationship with the Prime Minister, I am particularly fortunate to have shared a border with the district of Saint-Michel having given us the opportunity to work jointly in the best interests of the citizens of Saint-Michel. Throughout nearly a decade, Prime Minister Trudeau has steered Canada through moments of optimism and success, but also periods of unprecedented challenges. His strength, unwavering commitment, and willingness to defend Canadian interests has always been evident. Trudeau’s leadership shone most brightly during challenging times, particularly during the pandemic. He oversaw the implementation of some of the world’s most effective public health and economic support programs ensuring Canadians’ safety, well-being and saving lives in the process.
Through his stewardship, the Liberal Party has won 3 consecutive elections, paving the way for landmark initiatives like the Canada Child Benefit, the Canadian Dental Care Plan and Pharmacare.
These programs have had a profound impact on Canadians lives reducing child poverty and expanding access to healthcare. Trudeau also demonstrated bold environmental leadership, investing
in green technologies to position Canada as a global leader in the fight against climate change. He and his team have renegotiated NAFTA which resulted in the passage of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), safeguarding Canada’s economic interests while advancing
environmental and labor rights standards.
Finally, Trudeau’s legacy will also be defined by his commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and social justice. He rose in the House of Commons to provide a formal apology to Italian Canadians interned during the Second World War and has advanced reconciliation with Indigenous communities and expanded LGBTQ2+ rights. Championing gender equality, he and his government have worked tirelessly to build a more inclusive society for all Canadians. Furthermore, his commitment to maintaining gender parity in Cabinet is a first, and hopefully will become standard practice, rather than a historic achievement.
As Prime Minister Trudeau prepares to pass the torch to the next leader of the Liberal Party, my constituents and I express our heartfelt gratitude for his service. His leadership has shaped the Canada we know today—stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient.
Justin, thank you for your unwavering dedication to our country and for always putting Canada and Canadians first.
Grazie Mille!
