By Dan Laxer
The Suburban
Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard paid a visit to Carlyle Elementary School in Town of Mount Royal recently along with Michelle Setlakwe, Liberal MNA for Mont Royal-Outremont.
As the Minister Responsible for Relations with English-Speaking Quebecers, Girard had accepted an invitation from the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) to visit some of their schools. He was at Royal Vale School in NDG two years ago, and Dunrae Gardens last year.
Setlakwe joined Girard on this particular visit because the school is in her riding. Both she and Girard live within walking distance of Carlyle. In fact, Girard told students he often walks his dog past the school.
The visit to Carlyle was a bit different in that the school’s Media Club, made up of Leadership students from Grades 5 and 6, were given the opportunity to interview the MNAs in a mock news conference.
The 10 students in the club have been learning about media and journalism. Part of the program is the production of Carlyle Live: The Carlyle Elementary School Podcast. The students, guided by their animator – a former broadcaster-turned-print journalist – write and record their own stories culled from day-to-day life in the Carlyle community. They spent some time coming up with questions for Girard and Setlakwe. The students asked their questions in English. Girard and Setlawke answered for the most part in French.
There were questions about how kids can play a role in the political process even though they can’t vote. Girard responded that young people have a lot of influence. They can write to their leaders, or speak with them, or have discussions with their parents. Politicians, Girard said, “have a long-term responsibility to future generations.”
Some took the bold step of asking Setlakwe and Girard their thoughts on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stepping down as Liberal Party leader, and on U.S. President Trump’s threats to take over Canada.
On Trudeau, Setlakwe said there comes a time when leaders need to step aside and let others take over. She encouraged the students to pay attention to upcoming leadership races – federal, provincial, and municipal, adding “even if we don’t agree with everything a politician puts forward, I think politicians deserve respect.”
On Trump’s threats to take over Canada, Girard said it’s not going to happen. “Canada is a beautiful country,” the CAQ minister told the students. “We are proud to live here. Trump says a lot of things,” Girard added. “We should watch what he does and not listen too much to what he says.”
Both MNAs said they enjoy their jobs, they enjoy working in the National Assembly, and in their ridings. Setlakwe said she loves working with her co-citizens and neighbours. Girard explained that they work in Quebec City from Tuesday to Thursday eight months out of the year. “When I’m in Quebec City,” he said, “I miss my family. And I miss walking my dog in Town of Mount Royal past Carlyle School.” n