St. Peters Catholic School welcomed special guest speaker, Senator Bernadette Clement to chat with grade 5 and 6 students this last week. Senator Clement presented on political history, shared stories and answered questions for over an hour to an incredibly engaged group. There was dancing and laughing and lots of learning for all involved. Trustee Karen Torrie-Racine, Superintendent Norma McDonald, and St. Peter Parish priest Fr. Theodore also enjoyed the vibrancy of Senator Clement and her clear commitment to our community.
Senator Clement served for 3 years as a Cornwall city councilor and is still a legal aid lawyer right here Cornwall, which she loves because it keeps her connected to what’s going on. She was the first woman to be elected as mayor of Cornwall and the first Black woman to serve as a mayor in Ontario. “She is an amazing leader, speaker and advocate for many – especially those from marginalized groups. We love Senator Clement” Principal Celine Langevin.
Students prepared questions about the Senate, such as ‘How many female Senators are there?’ 50% of the senate as to be women versus only 25% of elected officials are women, support women candidates when you can. She was asked if she had ever been bullied and yes, just recently but also discussed how it’s important to stand up for yourself and often when you do others feel safe to follow.
The quintessential Cornwall debate came up… which pizza place IS the place…Riverside of course says the Senator. Senator Clement offered these students a real, beautiful and rare opportunity to see a politician who is authentic and energetic, interesting and transparent. Discussing some of her biggest challenges with grace, such as being the mayor during the pandemic which was pretty tough but her favourite things about it-riding her bike around town connecting with people.
She taught students some differences between municipal and provincial level governments and what she gets to do now, which is help pass laws, her most significant to date- was including indigenous languages, Canada has more than 70, to our official languages of Canada.
