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Moments In 2014 That Reminded Us Politicians Are Just People

These Moments Reminded Us Politicians Are People

Canadians can be forgiven if they sometimes feel they have nothing in common with the people elected to represent them.

Politicians don't always make it easy for us.

Some seem to speak only in talking points, often with words carefully prepared by other people in other rooms.

Some deflect blame or obfuscate when a simple "sorry" now and again would do wonders.

Some attack and belittle in manners beyond the pale, even for a country that appreciates a clean hit.

And most operate in a world of us-versus-them partisanship that can turn so many of us off.

But it's important to be reminded sometimes that our politicians are just people.

Many are mothers and fathers. Many are wives, husbands and partners. And long before their names were on lawn signs, long before they were big shots, they too were just sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, friends and neighbours.

If we can think of them that way, at least once in a while, we can start to see them as individuals we might approach. Or challenge, fairly, on their ideas and beliefs. Or forgive, when they make the kinds of mistakes humans do and try that "sorry" thing we mentioned earlier.

And maybe by seeing them as people — imperfect and flawed, just like us — we can also appreciate the work they do and sacrifices they make so that the country can function.

In 2014, there were many moments that reminded us that politicians are people. Here are a few we will remember.

Said Mike Lake of his "big little boy" Jaden, who was listening from the gallery: "He is the friend who always believes the best, the worker who never wants his shift to end, and the student who makes all of the others better people. He is the brother who loves his sister and is not afraid to show it, and the son who every single day reminds his parents that there is incredible joy to be discovered in even life's most difficult circumstances."

Photo credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

 

 

Said Leitch of Flaherty: "His friendship, for those of us who benefited from its breadth, warmth, depth and humour, was the ultimate definition of loyalty."

Photo credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

From Henry Scott Holland's "Death Is Nothing At All":

Laugh as we always laughed

at the little jokes we enjoyed together.

Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.

Let my name be ever the household word

that it always was.

 

Photo credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Because some things are bigger than politics.

Photo credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Her sexual orientation was a non-factor in the June provincial election but at one campaign stop, Wynne said the Charter of Rights and Freedoms has meant she and her spouse, Jane Rounthwaite, can live without fear.

When Canada's first openly gay premier was later asked if there was a time when she felt she had to "live in the shadows," Wynne said it was Rounthwaite who spent "many, many years" not being fully open — "a very common story among gay, lesbian, bi, transgendered kids."

"I want to believe, and I do believe, because of where we live in Canada, in Ontario, that we can have a society that allows everyone to be who they are," Wynne said. "And so kids like Jane and kids who are growing up questioning who they are will have the support in all of our schools to be exactly who they are."

Said Chow: "I believe that everyone counts. No matter where we came from, what colour of our skin, what background, what income level, what neighbourhood we came from, it doesn't matter."

Like when Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi dressed as a "Dr. Who" character at the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo.

And Edmonton mayor (and avowed 'Trekkie') Don Iveson wore a "Star Trek" shirt to meet the stars of "The Big Bang Theory" during that city's fan expo.

 

Said Trudeau to "22 Minutes" star Mark Critch: "You're not going to hot-box my office."

In Israel…

And at the Conservative Christmas party…

 

Photo credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Photo credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

 

 

 

Photo credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Former Tory minister Keith Ashfield received treatment after the return of his Hodgkin lymphoma.

Photo credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Rob Ford dropped out of the Toronto mayoral race after he was diagnosed with a malignant liposarcoma, a rare type of cancer. After John Tory won the election, the new mayor put forward a motion thanking Ford, who won a spot on city council, for his public service and wishing him a quick recovery. The motion passed unanimously.

Photo credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Transport Minister Lisa Raitt underwent surgery to remove a "solid growth" on her ovaries. Raitt also urged other women to be vigilant about any "reproductive issues" they experience.

Again, rival politicians sent along their best wishes.

Earlier this month, Raitt confirmed she was cancer-free.

Photo credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Former Liberal deputy prime minister Sheila Copps came forward in November to say she was sexually assaulted as a young politician and later raped by a man she was dating more than 30 years ago.

Copps wrote in The Hill Times that she did not report the man who assaulted her but went to the police after the rape, and was told "a conviction was impossible."

Photo credit: Cheri DiNovo Facebook

Ontario NDP Cheri DiNovo also said in December she was the victim of sexual assault and was raped by an ex-boyfriend more than 30 years ago. She did not report the attacks to the police.

Their disclosures came amid a wider national conversation about sexual violence and harassment toward women, spurred by the charges against ex-CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi and the suspension of two male Liberal MPs for alleged misconduct toward two female MPs.

DiNovo told Maclean's that she even thought about what disclosing her assault might do to the man who attacked her.

"This is so typical too. As women, we still care about what our attackers feel! It's just so bizarre," she told Maclean’s. "I think of myself as a pretty damn strong woman. I always have been. I don't put up with a lot of s–t. So the fact that I felt that way is pretty telling. That's rape culture."

Photo credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Liberal MP Frank Valeriote, who will not run again in 2015, gave a very revealing interview to The Ottawa Citizen's Jason Fekete about how a life in politics can sometimes wreak havoc on a marriage and family life.

Valeriote said the time he spent away led to his separation from his wife and that he is now giving up politics to spend time with his young children.

"What happens over time is your family acclimatizes themselves to your absence, begins their own routines. Sometimes, dropping in on a weekend, you feel like a visitor into what is a family routine that they have established. That's what happens to some of us," he told The Citizen.

"Some relationships, some families are able to withstand that, and some aren't. Clearly, mine wasn't."

Of course, there were many times this past year when the actions and choices of our politicians sparked disappointment and anger.

There were many times when we had cause to point at an elected representative and wonder how they ever achieved a position of such privilege.

There were many times when we felt justified shrugging our shoulders and saying: see, this is why people don't vote.

But here's hoping that, as we head into a federal election year, we can occasionally see in a new light those who summoned the courage to put their name on a ballot.

And believe, without cynicism, that maybe they aren't so different from us after all.

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With files from The Canadian Press, previous files

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