'Because of her, and her, and...', Ladies Auxiliary to Branch 5 of Royal Canadian Legion provided outstanding service to Chapleau

For 65 years, the Ladies Auxiliary to Branch Number 5 (Ontario) of the Royal Canadian Legion provided outstanding service not only to the Branch, but to the entire community. 

With Remembrance Day approaching and Women's History Month as announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau draws  to a close, it seemed very appropriate to include the Ladies Auxiliary among those who "Because of Her" made Chapleau a better place to live for everyone.

Founded in 1935 with Mrs. Mabel Way-White as its first president, the members had family members who served in World War I or World War II, or both -- and some members had themselves served in the armed forces.  Other members included those who had family members who served in Canada's armed forces in Korea, and other places after the two world wars.

By 2000 however, the ladies auxiliary ceased to function as  a separate entity. When Michael McMullen and I were writing "The Chapleau Boys Go To War", Bruce McCarthy, a past president of Branch Number 5 explained to us that the  Chapleau branch is holding the charter but there is no Ladies Auxiliary anymore.

"It began to decline when wives and daughters became qualified for associate membership in the branch. The great majority chose to join the branch rather than the auxiliary. The auxiliary ceased to operate in 2000."

Here is a list of the presidents from 1935 to 2000, but it should be noted that several served more than one term, often after an absence from the position.

They were: Mabel Way-White, Deborah Gawley, Amy Green, Gertrude Therriault, Annie Desson, Emmie Montgomery, Hazel Robinson, Annie Collings, Josie Way-White, Agnes Freeborn, Marian Pellow, Margaret Leigh, Thelma Therriault, Olga (Ollie) Lane, Dorleen Collings, Frances Corston, Eunice Michaud, Janet McCarthy, Olive McAdam, Anne McGoldrick, Winnie Bucciarelli, Elizabeth (Betty) O'Shaughnessy.

In 1985, as the auxiliary celebrated its 50th anniversary, Mrs. Amy Green, a charter member and past president was presented with a 50-year pin by Mrs. Gloria Sandford, the Ladies Auxiliary provincial president. Mrs. Green also received a 50-year plaque from provincial command. 

A Chapleau delegation, led by Harry Searle, a veteran of World War I, led the Chapleau delegation to the Winnipeg meeting in 1925 where the Canadian Legion was established. The Chapleau branch received its charter on October 6, 1926.

In her remarks, Mrs. Sandford extended congratulations on the auxiliary's "outstanding community service."

A Chapleau delegation, led by Harry Searle, a veteran of World War I, led the Chapleau delegation to the Winnipeg meeting in 1925 where the Canadian Legion was established. The Chapleau branch received its charter on October 6, 1926.

Throughout its history the members of the Ladies Auxiliary to Branch 5 did provide outstanding community service and "Because of her, and her, and her, and......" Chapleau was a better place to live for all its citizens. Lest We Forget! 

Thanks to Bruce McCarthy.  My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Chapleau no exception in "Because of Her" campaign as women have played vital and important role in community life since its earliest years

Mrs Hands leaves Chapleau as friends wish her well

In 2016, the prime minister Justin Trudeau, announced the celebration of Women's History Month, but it was not until October 18, 1929, women were declared "persons" under Canadian law. The historic legal victory is due to the persistence of five Alberta women -- Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney and Henrietta Muir Edwards.

However, in Chapleau, and across Canada, women had been playing an important and vital role in the life of their communities since the founding of the nation in 1867. Much of their good work was associated with church groups, and Chapleau was no exception. 

Although I am focusing on the ladies of Trinity United Church, which was Chapleau Methodist Church, in the early years as an example -- the ladies at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church and St John's Anglican Church also contributed greatly.  I will also touch on the Chapleau Red Cross Society.

On April 25, 1898, ladies at Chapleau Methodist Church discussed the formation of a Ladies Aid Society of the Chapleau Methodist Church, which was subsequently formed, according to a church  history. They immediately launched "two worthy projects"  -- the cleaning of the church and improving the vestry which was a small addition at the rear of the church which also housed the minister.

When the brick church was completed, over the years "the ladies worked diligently by having suppers, teas, sales of works, bazaars and bean suppers" raising a considerable amount of "talent' money for the church.

As an aside, in 2016, I think across Canada it remains "plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose"!!!

The church history does pay tribute to the pioneer women including Mrs. Harry Pellow, Mrs. Grout, Mrs. George Young, Mrs. R.J. Allen and Mrs. Halliday.  

Stancil (Pellow) Rose was the church organist for over 40 years.

At Trinity United, the name was eventually changed to Women's Association and it became responsible for furnishings for the parsonage, keeping it in good repair, caring for Sunday school rooms, and cleaning and decorating the church.

In 1947, there were 84 members, and it split into two groups.. They provided finances for the building and equipping the church kitchen, building a garage and sun porch for the parsonage and landscaping the grounds.

A search of the members of the church board of stewards shows that no women served in its  history at least until after 1950. 

However, in Chapleau, Mrs Maud Hands, who was actively involved in the work of St. John's and Trinity United (her husband Fred was a member of Trinity United) was also the only president of the Chapleau Red Cross Society branch throughout World War II. Mrs, Hands also has the distinction of being the first women to be elected to Chapleau council in 1947.

The Red Cross society branch was also active during World War I, but interestingly Rev. Father Romeo Gascon of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church was first vice president, and committee members included Rev. C.S Applegarth of Trinity United, Rev. J.N. Blodgett of St. John's and G.B. Nicholson. Mrs. May McMullen was president.

Red Cross members circa 1945

In The Chapleau Boys Go To War, which I co-wrote with my cousin Michael McMullen (his grandmother was May (Mulligan) Mcmullen noted above) we noted that "fingers were never idle" at the Chapleau Red Cross during World War II.as it was doing its part for the war effort. Led by Mrs. Hands the branch met weekly in the Town Hall throughout the war.

Most assuredly Chapleau women have made a most significant contribution to community life, and I have just scratched the surface. As Prime Minister Trudeau said we need to appreciate the "significant achievements and contributions women have made to our great country."

“While we celebrate the progress made, we remain keenly aware of the important work that still needs to be done to achieve true gender equality. By highlighting stories of how women have shaped our lives, we can inspire both current and future generations to continue to fight for a society in which all people feel empowered, and have the same opportunities to reach their full potential, Mr. Trudeau said.

On a very personal note, the "Because of Her" campaign has let me reflect on the contributions the women members of my own family made to Chapleau life since its earliest years, and most importantly too, I have thought about those remarkable women in the community, who influenced and helped me. They also made  Chapleau a better place to live for all its citizens. Thank you so much.

Thanks also to those who assisted me. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Olive M. Card efforts gave Chapleau a prominent place on Northern Ontario map

Olive, Vanessa Santerre, Rita Swanson

Olive M. Card, who became known as "Mrs. Minor Hockey" in Chapleau, tapped every resource to provide opportunities for minor hockey over a 25 year period, Margaret Costello wrote in a tribute to her.

But her involvement in the community went far beyond minor hockey. In 1966, she became the second woman to serve on Chapleau council. Mrs. Maud Hands, who was elected in 1947, was the first. Olive also served as Deputy Reeve.

"Because of Her" great contribution as secretary-treasurer of the Chapleau Minor Hockey Association for 25 years from 1947 to 1972, 2500 players enjoyed minor hockey. And before, I go any further, at least one referee got his start about 1955.

I was not a very good hockey player but played Bantam, so Olive, her husband Don and Garth 'Tee Chambers made it possible for me to attend the Northern Ontario Playground Hockey Association Referee School in North Bay. I know. I know. There are those who would say I was not a very good referee either, but their efforts let me stay involved in the game.

Given her contribution to Chapleau over a period of many years, far beyond minor hockey she belongs in the series celebrating Women's History Month, announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.   In highlighting Mrs. Card, she certainly fits the prime minister's comment that by "highlighting stories of how women have shaped our lives, we can inspire both current and future generations to continue to fight for a society in which all people feel empowered, and have the same opportunities to reach their full potential."

Olive (Schroeder) Card attended Chapleau Public and Chapleau High schools, and in 1947 married Lawrence David (L.D, or Don) Card. It also marked the start of her involvement in minor hockey. When Chapleau boys returned from serving in Canadian forces in World War II as Don had, they became involved in community affairs, and hockey was assuredly one of them. Don played in the Town League and for the Intermediates and coached minor hockey teams.

During her six years on council, Olive served as Chair of the Chapleau Recreation Committee and as a member of the Arena Board. She also was an executive member of the Sudbury District Municipal Association and as member on the Northeastern Development Council.

Margaret Costello wrote that "an excellent ambassador, she did much all through the north to promote the interests of Chapleau and give it a prominent place on Northern Ontario map."

She was also a member of the Chapleau Area Chamber of Commerce.

Names Below  St John's Senior WA 1952

A member of St. John's Anglican Church, she was active in the Women's Auxiliary.

"With all her outside interests her home and family were still of primary interest in her life," Maggie wrote.

At a municipal hosted party a presentation was made to her in appreciation of her efforts. The presentation was made by Vanessa Santerre and Rita Swanson of the township staff. 

Jamie Doyle, captain of the Chapleau Junior 'B' Huskies of the International Junior 'B' Hockey League, presented Mrs. Card with an electric wall clock at a Junior 'B' game in early 1973.  The clock was made of dark wood mounted beside a hockey figure above which was an engraved plaque reading, "1947-1972 -- TO Mrs. Olive Card for her 25 years of dedication to Chapleau Minor Hockey".

Mrs. Card assuredly deserves recognition as Canadians celebrate Women's History Month as a  remarkable woman  who influenced us and as the prime minister commented on the Because of Her project  "have helped build a better, stronger, and much more inclusive Canada."

The series continues next week. Thanks so much to all who have commented on the column about Mrs. A.W. Moore and also the photos used. This week I am sharing one of the Senior W.A. of St. John's Anglican Church in 1952. Remarkable women all, including both my grandmothers, Lil Morris and Edythe Hunt. As someone commented: A lot of mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers there!  

Thanks also to my cousin Anne (Zufelt) McGoldrick for her tremendous assistance. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

St John's Senior WA 1952. Rev E Roy Haddon was Rector of the parish.


Senior WA of St John's Church in 1952 Mrs. Hands, Mrs. Saylors, Mrs. Haskins, Mrs. Swanson, Mrs. Machan - ? Mrs. Chappise, Mrs. Saunders, Mrs. McKnight, Mrs. Crichton, Mrs. H. Morris, Mrs. Hunt, Mrs. Angove, Mrs. F. Morris, Mrs. Edie McKnight, Mrs. Coulter, Mrs. Keays Mrs. Herbert, Mrs. Donna Westerman front row Mrs. Nixon, Mrs. Way-White, Mrs. Whybray, Mrs. Simpson, Mrs. Collings, Mrs. Haddon, Mrs. Block, Mrs. Card. What a great bunch of ladies.  Photo from Anne (Zufelt) McGoldrick collection)

'Because Of Her' includes outstanding Chapleau women who made significant achievements and contributions to community life

Mrs Moore

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a  statement on Women’s History Month that has prompted me to begin  sharing the stories of Chapleau's outstanding women -- and there are many of them I have discovered as I started researching their contributions to the community since its earliest years. 

Of course, I already knew some of the more obvious ones, and over the past week Mario Lafreniere and my cousin Anne (Zufelt) McGoldrick, have been of immense assistance.

I invite all readers to share "Because of Her" stories about Chapleau women Please feel free to contact me by email at mj.morris@live.ca or on Facebook. 

First though, the prime minister's comments that put it into perspective: “This October, I am pleased to join Canadians from coast to coast to coast to celebrate Women’s History Month.

“This year’s theme – Because of Her – gives all Canadians the chance to recognize and appreciate the significant achievements and contributions women have made to our great country.

“Despite historical hurdles and barriers, women have taken their place – as politicians and advocates, as entrepreneurs and leaders, as artists and academics – pushing for advances and changes that have benefited us all.

“While we celebrate the progress made, we remain keenly aware of the important work that still needs to be done to achieve true gender equality. By highlighting stories of how women have shaped our lives, we can inspire both current and future generations to continue to fight for a society in which all people feel empowered, and have the same opportunities to reach their full potential.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I encourage all Canadians to join us in celebrating Women’s History Month. I also urge you to become part of the Government of Canada’s #BecauseofHer campaign, to share and learn more about all of the remarkable women – past and present – who have influenced us, and who have helped build a better, stronger, and much more inclusive Canada."

To launch the series, I decided to share two photos that Anne provided -- one of women who were members of the Catholic Women's League at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church and the other of long-time members of Branch Number 5 (Ontario) of the Royal Canadian Legion receiving 25 year pins..

Mrs Linklater, Mrs. Riley, Mrs Montgomery, Mom. Mrs Freeborn - Legion Ladies

As I considered the prime minister's comments, I felt that "Because of Her", Mrs. A.W.Moore, a real difference was made in the life of Chapleau as she was primarily responsible for artificial ice in the Chapleau Memorial Community Arena in 1965. Mrs. Moore started raising funds for the artificial ice in 1951, just as the arena opened. For those who do not remember Mrs. Moore, she sold hockey pool tickets on the outcome of National Hockey League games -- going door to door to sell them weekly to her regular customers. All revenue went to the projects she supported.

The Chapleau Sentinel noted that her years of involvement with "courage, spunk and determination" to make it happen, will be ever remembered.

Amelia Moore was born in Manitoba, and after moving to Chapleau in the 1920s, and after World War II, became involved in Chapleau hockey primarily as the main sponsor of the Trappers in the very competitive town league. In 1949, she was delighted when her team won the town championship. They were her pride and joy, and they showed their appreciation of her efforts with a testimonial dinner.

After artificial ice was installed in the memorial arena, it changed the Chapleau hockey scene immensely. Bantam teams coached and managed by David Mizuguchi and David Futhey were very successful in the Northern Ontario Playground Hockey Association, and in 1966-67, the Chapleau Junior 'B' Huskies were founded by Lorne Riley, Keith 'Buddy' Swanson and Thomas Welch --- They won it all in their first year in the International Junior 'B' League, as well as the NOHA title.

The Chapleau Intermediate 'A" Huskies of the Northland Intermediate 'A' Hockey League arrived in the 1970s.

When the Chapleau Recreation Centre opened in 1978, the municipal council had decided that the arena portion would be called the Mrs. A.W. Moore Arena, and "Mrs. Hockey' Moore' was on hand for the official opening.

Take a moment next time when you are in the arena to remember Mrs. Moore, and the contribution she made to Chapleau. Because of Her efforts, Chapleau became a better place to live, work and play.  More Because of Her next week. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

---

MM

Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau received 'feed of eggs' during 1982 train stop in Chapleau presented by Ernest Lepine

Although Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau did not receive the friendliest of receptions in many communities across Canada as he travelled by Via Rail on vacation with his three sons in August 1982, such was not the case when his train arrived in Chapleau. 

Upon learning that the prime minister's train had been pelted with eggs in western Canada, Ernest Lepine visited the Valentine Poultry Farm, and arranged to get eggs to present to him. The farm was, and is still owned by Ross Broomhead.

Mr. Lepine told Jennifer Swanson in a 'Pioneer Days' article that he got four dozen eggs.

In making the presentation to Mr. Trudeau on the CPR station platform, he said: "Here are some Chapleau eggs for you. We're not throwing them at you. We're giving you  a feed of eggs."

 I was covering the event for CBC TV News and there was a huge crowd at the station to meet the prime minister and his three children Michel, Alexandre and Justin, who is now the prime minister of Canada. It was a very friendly occasion.

Ernest Lepine was born in Chapleau in 1920, and was involved in many community activities, although he lived at Devon for five years, and Sultan from 1930 to 1940.

He told Jennifer in an interview that it was tough living in Sultan during the Great Depression with not much time for play. 

For example: "We had to go out after school on Saturday to cut wood until we had ten four foot cords, haul it, cut it with a crosscut saw, split and pile it."

But he was able to build a pair of stilts with which he walked to school. "I began making them higher and higher until at last I had to get on the roof of my verandah to get on them".

His first job was at Wakami Lumber Co. but in 1941 he got a job on the CPR first as fireman, and later as engineer. He married his childhood friend Lorette in 1942, and they bought their house on Lorne Street next door to the arena.

An active member of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Mr. Lepine held most offices in the Knights of Columbus. He was also legislative representative for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.

He was elected to the municipal council in 1949 just as Chapleau's "boom years" were getting underway and served several terms. The first major project was the sewage system and plant completed in late 1950.

When the Chapleau Memorial Arena was opened on Lorne Street in 1951. he became a member of the arena board.

By 1961 he was a director of the credit union.

Mr. Lepine was honoured in 1972 when he received an award from the Queen and the Government of Canada for outstanding community service.

In his interview with Jennifer Mr. Lepine noted how good Chapleau had been to him and his family, but he was certainly very good for Chapleau too, one of its highly respected citizens who served in many aspects of community life...

Note. Someone kindly sent me the photos in which I am included some years ago now, but I do not recall  who it was. Thanks though,Aging memory!!! My email is mj.morris@live.ca

From left to right: Dr. Lougheed, A.J. Grout, Cecil Smith, Foreman for Construction Company, Walter Steed, Reg Trush, B.WZufelt (Reeve), Ernest Lepine, Max Brunette, J.M. Shoup, Richard Brownlee, Dr. G.E. Young, George. Fife, Ovide Payette, Charles Collins. The two girls in the back are Carol Ann (Babe) Chambers, Joan Kemp Photo taken at sod turning for Chapleau Sewage System

Mr. Fife Goes to Washington: Watch Out Mr. President, Bob is on the Premises

As the official visit of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau  was getting underway, Alexander Panetta, the Washington correspondent of the Canadian Press issued a "warning" to President Barack Obama on Twitter.

It read: "Warning, Mr. President - @RobertFife is on the premises." Gerald Butts, the principal secretary to the prime minister "liked" it.

Actually it was high praise for Bob, and a mark of respect for his reporting abilities from one of his fellow journalists. Bob, as Chapleau folks know him, was in Washington as Ottawa Bureau Chief of The Globe and Mail to report on the prime minister's visit. Bob joined the Globe in January this year but remains host of CTV's Question Period.

Mr. Panetta was likely warning Mr. Obama that he best watch out as he may be in danger of getting "Fifed" by Bob -- a term I was not aware of until now, even though I have followed Bob's journalism career since 1978 when it began.

Although others may have used the term, I discovered an article on Buzzfeed by Craig Silverman, the Founding Editor Canada, from August 2015 entitled "Why Getting Fifed by CTV Reporter Robert Fife is the Worst Thing That Can Happen to You".

Mr. Silverman also provides a definition: "Fifed. (v.) to strike terror into the hearts of Canadian politicians by Robert Fife." He goes on to provide examples mostly centred on the Senate scandal surrounding Senator Mike Duffy.

It was Bob who broke the scandal wide open, and when I saw the tweet that once again Robert Fife had proven why he is simply the best, it immediately captured my attention. Kevin Newman, was retweeting a comment by Rosa Hwang, senior broadcast producer with CTV National News. "Once again Robert Fife proves why he's simply the best." Bob has received several awards for his reporting.

Bob on Bantam team

"What had Fife done now?  I wrote in my Cranbrook Guardian column that Bob had broken the story that Nigel Wright, the chief of staff to Stephen Harper, then the prime minister, had written a personal cheque to Mike Duffy, the senator appointed by Harper,  for $90,172 to pay back expenses to which the senator was not entitled. 

The Duffy scandal was placed squarely in the office of the prime minister by Bob Fife,

In November 2008, Deborah Howell, the ombudsperson at the Washington Post wrote that "good reporters are the heart of news gathering. If it's news, they have to know it. Without them, the public wouldn't have the news and information essential to running a democracy -- or our lives. Whether the story is local, national or foreign, it has to be gathered on the ground by a reporter." 

Ms Powell added in answering the question about what makes a good reporter, "Endless curiosity and a deep need to know what is happening. Then, the ability to hear a small clue and follow it."

Bob Pres of CHS Student Council seated 2nd on right

That's Bob.

Bob is one of those reporters who certainly fits the comment by former Washington Post Post executive editor Ben Bradlee who thought that a reporter's most important quality is energy: "They've got to love what they're doing; they've got to be serious about turning over rocks, opening doors. The story drives you. It's part of your soul."

In the interests of full disclosure Bob was in Grade Nine when I arrived  to teach at Chapleau High School in 1969, and once he learned I had been a daily newspaper reporter, he never stopped asking me questions throughout his high school years. And when he was attending the University of Toronto, he challenged me on every issue when he came home on vacation or to spend the summers. Maybe I was one of  the first people to to be "Fifed". 

Happy St. Patrick's Day. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

NAMES  CHS Student Council of 1972-73 when Bob Fife was president. Front row from left Jamie Doyle, Eileen McCrea, Tom Tangie, Bob, Patty Desbois. Middle row from left Rusty Deluce, Joan Lapointe, Walter Sonego, Dan Plouffe, Michael Dillon, Mary Ann Morris, Doris Delaney. Back row Robert Doyle, Gary Legros, Leslie Doig, Maurice Blais, Pat Connelly, Keith Marsh

Canadian prime ministers: "Of necessity an egotist and an autocrat"

Sir Wilfrid Laurier

John Wesley Dafoe, arguably one of the most powerful and influential newspaper editors and journalists in Canadian history once wrote that "A prime minister under the party system as we have it in Canada is of necessity an egotist and an autocrat." 

In his essay on Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Mr. Dafoe added, "If he comes to office without these characteristics his environment equips him with them as surely as a diet of royal jelly transforms a worker into a queen bee".  

He was editor of the Manitoba Free Press, from 1901 to 1944  when it was among the great newspapers of the world, according to Wikipedia.  It became the Winnipeg Free Press.

During the past couple of weeks  Canadians have witnessed one egotist and autocrat Brian Mulroney, a former prime minister slice up the current occupant, Stephen Harper who also fully qualifies on both counts. Arguably Mulroney and Harper are members of the same political party, but rather than quibble over Progressive Conservative, Conservative or Reform, let's just say they are conservatives.  

  

Mulroney let loose his broadsides in an interview on CTV's Power Play, marking the 30th anniversary of Mulroney's big election win. If I had been him, I would have been annoyed too upon learning that the Harper Conservatives marked the occasion with a fundraising letter which apparently included no mention of Brian Mulroney or Progressive Conservative.  

  

  In brief here are the major points Mulroney made: Harper should not have got into a spat with the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Canada; Canada should not have lost its seat on the United Nations Security Council; the government’s foreign affairs policy “has to be enveloped in a broader and more generous sweep that takes in Canadian traditions and Canadian history in a much more viable way'.  

For good measure he also criticized Harper on his lack of a "pristine" environmental policy, and supported an inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women, something Harper so far has opposed.  

However, it may have been his comments about Justin Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party that would have enraged Harper most.  “He’s a young man, attractive, elected two or three times to the House, attractive wife, beautiful kids — this is a potent package when you’re running in these circumstances,” he told Power Play, adding  “His program is that he’s not Stephen Harper.”  

  

Wow! Nothing like a fight in the political family when one autocrat and egotist attacks another and praises the leader of a different political party who wants to be prime minister. My email is mj.morris@live.ca 

  

  

GO CANADA GO at the Olympics while Justin is being Justin

MJM photo by Michael Pelzer

By Michael J Morris

My hunch is that most Canadians are much more interested right now in the Winter Olympics in Sochi than the biennial conference of the federal Liberals in Montreal, but I just can't resist mixing metaphors.

In 1967, when Dr. Jacques Goutor, who was one of my favourite History professors, arrived in Canada from France, the headlines in the first newspapers he saw were LEAFS WIN STANLEY CUP.  At the time Dr. Goutor had no idea who the Leafs were or what the Stanley Cup was, but when he found out, he told his wife this must be a pretty safe country if the top story was about a sporting event.

Dr. Goutor had been raised in France during World War II.

Judging by the frenzy on Facebook and Twitter where it seemed like everyone had become a sports commentator as Canadian athletes increased their medal count at the Winter Olympics, Dr. Goutor's point, albeit about hockey at the time, includes other sports too. Whatever may divide us politically disappears for the moment at least as the Olympic games gives us a common cause as  we  cheer on our athletes.

Too bad our politics has become so divisive.

Let's go to Montreal for a moment where the federal Liberals, for the past year led by Justin Trudeau, are putting on their face for the 2015 election.

Just before the convention, an IpsosReid/CTV News poll showed that 54% of Canadians shared Mr. Trudeau's values, up eight points over an earlier poll, centred around "innovative and forward thinking". 

Interestingly perhaps, the poll also shows that support has increased most in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Alberta and Ontario. The Prairie provinces in recent years have been pretty solidly Conservative, and of course still may be, but maybe, just maybe, folks there are tired of the same old, same old.

Having attended Mr. Trudeau's no frills meet and greet in Cranbrook last summer as he toured British Columbia in a motor home, it was obvious a new political style was emerging in Canada. I was impressed to be honest, and I have never been a card carrying liberal.

Jane Taber, writing in The Globe and Mail as the Liberal convention opened noted that the Liberal 2015 election campaign focus will be "all about Justin Trudeau".

Will  Justin being Justin work?  Too soon to tell methinks.

But, for the moment Canadians are preoccupied with our athletes at the Winter Olympics, and it is refreshing to follow the Likes, comments, tweets and retweets and cheers as we join together in our support of them. Dr. Goutor had it right but more sports are now included, and we do live in a great country. GO CANADA GO! My email is mj.morris@live.ca

This post also appears in the Cranbrook Guardian at http://livablecranbrook.blogspot.com