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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PRIME MINISTER
FROM
KIDS
1. Where do you live?
In Ottawa, I live at 24 Sussex Drive. This house was built in 1866, and
became the official residence of the Prime Minister in 1951. Since that time,
all Prime Ministers have lived there during their time in office.
2. What schools did you go to?
I attended elementary school at Jardin de l'Enfance and Sacré-Coeur in
Shawinigan. I then went to le Séminaire St- Joseph in Trois-Rivières. Later,
I studied at Laval University, where I graduated with a law degree.
3. How did you first get involved in politics?
I have always been interested in politics. From a very early age, I helped
my father in election campaigns. As a teenager, I attended political rallies
and made speeches. At Laval University, I was involved with the campus Liberal
Association, and was elected its president. In 1958, I was a delegate to the
Liberal Party's National leadership convention and was elected vice-president
of the party's national youth federation.
I was first elected to Parliament in Saint-Maurice in 1963, and have been
re-elected 10 times to represent the people of this riding for most of the
last 40 years.
4. What qualifications are necessary to become Prime Minister?
The Prime Minister is usually a Member of the House of Commons, although
there have been Prime Ministers from the Senate. Prime Ministers must also be
Canadian citizens.
5. What do you do during your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?
In my spare time, I love to swim, ski, and play golf. I also enjoy reading
books about Canadian history and politics. When I was a boy, I loved to play
hockey. Hockey was a passion for anyone growing up in Quebec at that time.
6. What advice would you give to someone interested in getting involved in
politics?
Being active in politics has brought me much satisfaction in life. It has
enabled me to represent the views of my constituents and to make a difference
for the better in the lives of Canadians. I was lucky to grow up in a family
where political involvement was encouraged.
It is important to realize that you can make a difference in many ways.
Volunteer your time in your community. It is an ideal way to help others and
can give you great satisfaction while learning skills you can use later in
life. Whatever you decide to be in life, I know that your family and friends
will be proud of you for making a contribution to the betterment of society.
7. What is a typical day like for you?
A typical day may be spent in answering questions in the House of Commons
during Question Period, meeting official foreign delegations to Ottawa,
attending Cabinet meetings, signing correspondence or doing work on behalf of
my constituents of Saint-Maurice. As you can imagine, this makes for a busy
day. I also spend a lot of time travelling across Canada meeting Canadians
from all walks of life. Sometimes, I travel outside the country to meet with
other world leaders to represent Canada's views in the global arena.
8. Do you have any advice for young people on how they can achieve their
goals?
Be confident in your abilities, but do not be afraid to ask a parent or a
teacher for help or advice.
Be prepared to work hard to realize your dreams. It takes effort to achieve
something worthwhile.
Keep a balance in your life. Make time for friends, family and fun.
9. What has been your proudest achievement during your time in politics?
Becoming Prime Minister in 1993 was one of the happiest and proudest
moments of my life. It is with a sense of gratitude that I, together with the
Liberal team, received renewed majority mandates from the Canadian electorate
in 1997 and again in 2000. The job of being Prime Minister continues to be
challenging, but I am enjoying it.
Throughout my 38 years in politics, my greatest satisfaction has come from
working on behalf of Canadians to address their priorities such as job
creation; tax relief; quality health care; children and families; safe
communities; and research and innovation. I also played a role, as Minister of
Justice, in the creation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
10. What do you think the future holds for Canada?
My vision for Canada builds on our nation's strengths and embraces the
future. It is a society of excellence with a commitment to success. Where
prosperity is not limited to the few, but is shared by the many and where
every child gets the right start in life. Where young people have a chance to
grow and to be the best at whatever they choose to do. Where citizens have
access to the skills and knowledge they need to excel. Where citizens,
regardless of income, receive quality health services. Where families enjoy
safe communities and a clean environment. Where Canadians work together and
with other countries to promote peace, cultural diversity and the human
purpose, and the benefits of the new global economy.
I know that Canadians will seize the opportunities that the 21st century
offers while maintaining our strong values of compassion and respect. That is
the Canadian way.
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