2014
"I cringe reading the words I spoke at the nomination meeting for my candidacy for the Liberal Party's Vancouver Granville riding."
Photo Credit CBC
"While I know I sincerely believed and meant every word that I spoke at the time. I am surprised that I ever subscribed to it quite that much, I always felt I would never, 'drink the Kool-Aid'. I think it shows how convincing Trudeau was-or perhaps how desperate we all wee for hope in a different way of doing politics. I hear that old line about 'self-delusion' ringing in my ears as I look back on my words:
"Tonight is all about continuing to take back control of our country from those who currently govern and have demonstrated a profoundly different and divisive vision of what our Canad is and should be.
The government (Harper) has been systematically tearing apart everything that is good about Canada and we have a responsibility to stop this.
I have met, and worked with Justin Trudeau. I like him. I trust him. He has a good mind and a great heart.
He has given me hope that, working together, we can bring a government of good people and great integrity to Ottawa, to make the changes that will make all of our lives, and our country better."
In "Indian in the Cabinet" JWR shares her realization that she was chosen and courted to be just that, but at the time she believed Trudeau was sincere.
She explains that Indigenous politics is not divided into parties, them and us. Everyone works toward a common goal and objectives. Once the Liberals formed the government, Wilson-Raybould explains that the focus became not on doing what was right for the country, but how to stay in power.
"I think this sense of self-importance can lead people in power to do and say whatever is necessary to hold onto power, with decisions being driven by political expediency."
This attitude is what she experienced during a Vancouver meeting with Trudeau when he pressured her to lie about the SNC Lavalin Affair: