Canada PoliticsJustin Trudeau to release personal memoir, follows in the footsteps of some successful leaders
It's not a CBC biopic — I'm sure that's under consideration by someone — but Justin Trudeau is about to immortalize himself with a book.
On Tuesday, Canadian publishing giant Harper Collins announced that the Liberal leader will publish a personal memoir in both English and French to be published in the Fall of 2014 — just one year before the next election.
Mr. Trudeau’s candid memoir will reveal to its readers the experiences that have shaped him over the course of his life and show how his passion for Canada and its people took root. Covering the years from his childhood at 24 Sussex to his McGill days during the tumultuous time of the Charlottetown Accord to his first campaign in Papineau to his role as Liberal leader today, the book will capture the foundational moments that have formed the man we have come to know and informed his vision for the future of Canada.
Filled with anecdotes, personal reflections, and never-before-seen photographs from his own collection, Mr. Trudeau’s memoir will show how the events of his life have led him to this moment and
prepared him for the future.
Trudeau is also quoted in the publisher's press release — he says that pleased to tell his life's story as a teacher, MP and father of three.
"These experiences and the many people who have played a role in my life have all shaped my outlook on politics, public service, and what it means to be a Canadian," Trudeau says.
"In 2006, my family and I made a commitment to serve our country, and I look forward to sharing this journey with you."
Proceeds from the book will go to the Canadian Red Cross Society.
[ Related: What is the appeal of Justin Trudeau? The pollsters weigh in ]
Political communications consultant Marcel Wieder says that Trudeau is following in the path of some great politicians.
"Books allow the politician to have an excuse to travel the country to promote their point of view as well as appear on television and radio shows to ostensibly promote their work. One of the most famous is John F. Kennedy who wrote Profiles in Courage that won the Pulitzer Prize in 1957 and helped Kennedy broaden his appeal to areas outside of his New England base," Wieder, President of Aurora Strategy Group, told Yahoo.
"Other politicians including President Obama have written books that helped explain their approach to issues. These books allow the public to gain a better perspective of the politician without the media filtering their message."
Wieder also cited Olivia Chow's memoir which she released weeks before announcing her intentions to run for the Toronto mayoralty.
[ Related: Stephen Harper’s hockey book released to solid reviews ]
While the memoir is already creating some buzz, don't expect to see right-leaning pundit Gerry Nicholls in line at Chapters for an autographed copy.
"Like other books put out by aspiring political leaders, this memoir will simply be propaganda, which is why anyone hoping it will provide insights to Trudeau’s true character will be sorely disappointed," Nicholls told Yahoo Canada News.
"Probably ghost-written by PR hacks, Trudeau’s memoir will simply regurgitate the same platitudes we've been hearing for the past year.
"As for it being “candid”, I’m sure that means it will candidly reveal how much Trudeau “loves Canada to his very bones” and how he candidly wants to “replace cynicism with hope”, etc. In short, it will be typical political pablum, aimed at winning over voters."
Nicholls does contend, however, that because of all the media attention the book will be a big seller.
"That might help Trudeau," he says. "It sure won’t hurt."
(Photo courtesy of the Canadian Press)
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