The people in Etobicoke-Lakeshore know how to throw a party. A few key ingredients are as follows: one bouncy castle, more ears of corn than you would care to shuck (just ask the shuckers), heaps of freshly spun cotton candy, and to top the whole thing off, the unbelievably good Etobicoke Youth Jazz Orchestra. I think it’s fair to say, Michael Ignatieff’s Annual Protective Services BBQ is off to a pretty good start.
This year Michael Ignatieff is arriving at his annual shindig in a mode of transportation very familiar to him, the Liberal Express bus. On the last official stop of the Liberal Express summer tour, there is no better destination (in my humble opinion) than back in Etobicoke-Lakeshore where it all began.
It’s no secret that Michael Ignatieff has attended a lot of these events this summer, hundreds even. On the surface this one may look pretty similar to them all, but there is one thing that sets it apart (well, two if you count the henna artist): his Etobicoke-Lakeshore family.
As Mr. Ignatieff departs the bus and looks around at all the familiar faces, he settles comfortably into the crowd. He exchanges handshakes and hugs, gets caught up on summer holidays and first weeks of school. There is a flurry of excitement as people board the Liberal Express to check it out, wondering aloud about all the places it has been.
Despite the upbeat party atmosphere, we cannot forget why we are all gathered here today. The vehicles of our protective services that line the field (including a classic, vintage ambulance), serve as a clear reminder. Michael Ignatieff speaks to the importance of acknowledging the work of those who have dedicated themselves to keeping us safe. It is especially meaningful after a fire ravaged an apartment in downtown Toronto yesterday, forcing over 1,000 people out of their homes, and leaving several firefighters hospitalized. In striking contrast to the laughter and chatter that has filled the air on this fine afternoon, the crowd falls silent as we take a moment in collective recognition, and give thanks.
-Alex
Alex MacDougall works in Michael Ignatieff’s constituency office in Etobicoke-Lakeshore.
