Original author: Sophie Harkat
Source: Harkat Email List
URL: [link]
Date: November 23, 2005

Hello Everyone,

I did something yesterday I never expected to do...that is shake the hand of Anne McLellan !! I was invited to a special VIP evening with all the leaders and MP's...that was a result of two days of intense lobbying from CAF and many other muslim organizations talking with all the MP's on various issues including immigration, national security, racial profiling and others. Security Certificate was high on their lists.

What I thought was suppose to be a small exclusive cocktail with Paul Martin became a room filled with MP's and all the other leaders. This guy beside me who knew my name/cause pointed out to me that Anne McLellan was standing by very closely and encouraged me to approach her...I was already thinking it but was taking deep breaths just looking at her !!! What I did not know is that a "plan" was in action with another person he knew that was standing beside Anne. Anne read my name tag on my shirt and figured who I was already and was avoiding me completely !! but this nice guy beside Anne took her by the shoulders and said...have you met Sophie !!! We then shook hands and she said she was "REALLY REALLY happy to meet me"...I was like really !! I just said....I just thought it was important for us to meet...I am Mohamed's wife...and she replied...I know who you are...very very happy to meet you. She then turned from shades of red...to purple to then blue before the turned her back on me and exited the room in a rush...not staying for the speeches or for the actual event !!!

As far as I know, I don't believe any of us have ever come close to meeting Anne...even in her Edmonton chapter !! I felt SOOOOO good after she turned around and left. I felt she saw a very small part of the problem and had to face it for once !...but it took out lots out of me to even come close to that woman !! Many people and reporters who saw that hand shake said I was the "bigger" person ! :-)

I then went over to Jack Layton....who gave me a big hug ! and Gilles Duceppe who took my two hands in his and rubbed my hands by saying he was proud of the work we were doing ! Jack and Gilles spoke beautifully on the issue...they were great actually !

I did not bother to approach Paul or Harper who mentioned NOTHING on civil liberties, justice or rights during their speeches...it was all about trade and money !!!

Just thought I would keep you posted !...on my one hand shake I will never forget !!! Thanks to Maria Al-Masani....It was a very productive evening for the SC issue !!

Sophie