By Elisha-Kim Desmangles
“All the women who are independent, throw your hands up at me.”
Come on, ladies. We all can recognize the famed ballad, “Independent Women” by the all-time favorite, Destiny’s Child. Beyoncé, Kelly, and Michelle chronicle women’s journeys everywhere for empowerment and individuality, both of which should not be taken lightly. Expecting the unexpected and saying no to ‘impossible’ are examples of the mantras women in all fields have personified, from the entertainment arena with Oprah Winfrey and her difficult road to stardom, to a more local example of Canadian Member of Parliament, Ruth Ellen Brosseau, who shows that facing the odds in politics is a source of power rather than weakness.
With her resume bearing a job as an assistant manager at a Carleton University pub, an unfinished college education, and a single mom of a 12 year old, 28 year old Brosseau was seen as a non-conventional choice on the 2011 federal election ballot representing the National Democratic Party (NDP). Even her own party did not think much of her, dubbing her a “placeholder candidate” in the election, or someone who runs and is not considered likely to win, but rather to help the party fill up its candidate roster.
Criticized for her lack of experience and weak knowledge of the French language even though she was running to represent the Francophone Berthier-Maskinonge region in Quebec in the House of Commons, Brosseau truly was an underdog. She again did not fare well against scrutiny when it was revealed that she went on a Las Vegas birthday vacation during the election, dubbing her “Vegas girl” by many onlookers, even though the trip was previously planned. However, Brosseau’s interest in politics and shared political ideas with the NDP proved stronger than the talk brewing behind her back.
But oh so soon did the non-believers realize that defying the odds was in the cards for Brosseau as she ended up beating the Bloc Quebecois party in the historically-nationalist Berthier-Maskinonge district. Brosseau thus aided the NDP in winning more seats in the House than ever before, becoming the official Opposition for the first time in party history.
“All the ladies who truly feel me, throw your hands up at me.”
Since her 2011 win, she has brought much satisfaction to the NDP. She was named the party’s agriculture critic, a role she has taken very seriously, especially during the contaminated meat controversy of Alberta-based XL foods last year. Brosseau has also connected with national issues on a personal level, particularly with the January privacy breach of student-loan recipients’ personal data and information, when she mentioned last month that she was one of the students whose information had been infringed upon.
This personable demeanor that Brosseau upholds only adds to the approval she has acquired in her riding. Issues affecting the Berthier-Maskinonge population such as pension plans and unemployment have also affected Brosseau, who comes from a working class family. Even though she has made the ascent from bartender’s wages to an annual salary of $157,000, Brosseau, who plans to run for reelection in 2015, still drives the same car and crashes at her parents’ when not in her riding. She has also taken strides to better connect with the population by taking French lessons.
It’s been a long time coming for Ms. Brosseau in her ascent to Parliament Hill. She is one of the many “don’t judge a book by its cover” examples and proves that combating the odds is not only possible, but also necessary to make a mark wherever the world takes you. Ruth Ellen Brosseau is a prime example that when you let destiny take its course, nothing can stop you.
“Girl I didn’t know you could get down like that. Charlie, how your Angels get down like that?”
Images obtained from: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/… and http://www.lechodemaskinonge.com/Actualites/Politique...