Dan Vandal May Be Able to Heal Our Country

Last year, I decided that I was officially a swing voter.  It was very freeing.  It has helped me keep an open mind and an open heart.  For some reason, I treasure my vote more.  I examine each party's platform as objectively as I can and I take time to talk to the candidates running for office.  I don't waste their time and have questions ready for them. 

The last federal election was particularly divisive.  It is the Trump effect, I think.  People feel empowered to express their anger and feel empowered to attack people's character.  I have been worried about how this will affect elections in the future.  Who would be willing to put their name on a ballot and participate in such a political climate? 

I didn't vote for Dan Vandal.  I don't live in his electoral district, but I knew he would be in Cabinet due to Jim Carr focusing on fighting for his life. 

I have never met him but I feel much more optimistic about Canada after he was sworn in as Minister of the North. 

He was the last Minister to take his Oath.  As he walked up the aisle to take his Oath, he was almost giggling.  It was a combination of awe, excitement, and nervousness.  He was smiling, but trying not to smile too much lest anyone think he is not taking this seriously.  I could relate to what he was feeling.  I worked for a short time on the Hill and I remember feeling a sense of awe.  Dan looked like he was living a dream of being sworn as a Member of Her Majesty's Cabinet. 

When, he took his oath, it was clear that he also appreciated the weight of his new responsibility and it was not something that he would ever take lightly.  He was breathing deeply and he stumbled slightly over his words.  He had the weight of his people's expectations on him.  He not only felt the weight of his constituents on him, but the weight of representing all Manitobans, all the people of the North, and, indeed, all Canadians.  I actually found myself shedding a tear.  This was a man who was excited to work tirelessly for Canada. 

And, this from a man who is not in his 20s.  Infact, at his next milestone birthday, he will be eligible to collect early CPP.  Yet, he was almost skipping after he took his Oath and made his way to shake the hands of the Prime Minister and Governor-General. 

It was so refreshing to see that sense of joy in a politician.  Those two moments of his swearing in made me so proud to be Canadian.  In those moments, he just embodied all that  is good about Canada.  It was very moving.  I can't wait to see what he does next !!

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