Governor General Julie Payette on exploring Canada - and space - QUARTERLY MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018 - iPolitics
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QUARTERLY MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018 Governor General Julie Payette on exploring Canada — and space
Bank of
‘this one’s
on me.’
Times change, banks too.
Trust never goes out of style.
Learn more at cba.ca
CONTENTS
DECEMBER 2018 | HOLIDAY SEASON
9
Christmas dinner:
Cooking with cannabis
Governor General Julie
1
Payette on exploring Canada
— and space
10
Gifts from the
leaders
iPolitics 2018
19
Books for the political
junkie on your list 7 Naughty or Nice
CONTENTS
PUBLISHER
Alexandria Shannon
DEPUTY PUBLISHER
12
Heather Bakken
EDITORS
Letter to Santa
Catharine Fulton
Larissa Liepins
Marco Vigliotti
WRITERS
Kelsey Johnson
Holly Lake
Kady O’Malley
Charlie Pinkerton Christmas fashion ...
Marieke Walsh
CONTRIBUTORS
Chloe E. Girvan
and a few faux pas 14
L. Ian MacDonald
PHOTOGRAPHER
Matthew Usherwood
DIGITAL & DESIGN
Sarah West
The holiday songs
BUSINESS TEAM
Adam Burnett
John Butterfield
you love to hate 25
Emily Emberson
Callie Sanderson
IPOLITICSINTEL
Marguerite Marlin (Editor)
Savannah Awde
Rafaa Chehoudi
Merry mixing:
26
Sam Chilton
Felixe Denson
Brendan Edge holiday drink guide
Rachel Emmanuel
Dana Hatherly
Lisa Johnson
Albert Kaprielian
Anik Laferriere
Codie Mitchell
Sarah Nixon
Christian Paas-Lang
Curtis Rafter
Christmas season
Madison Ranta
Vincent Rocheleau
Kevin Smith
on the Hill 31
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Ottawa, ON K1N 5S7 Canada
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iPolitics 2018 Quiz 34
Chloe Girvan - GG Interview
Photo: Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall © OSGG-BSGG, 2017
Governor General All the newspaper articles and
YouTube videos in the world could
folding chairs surrounding a worn
wooden desk.
not have prepared this writer for
Julie Payette on meeting Governor General Julie
Payette in person.
She is warm, soft-spoken and a
natural storyteller who frequently
exploring Canada
punctuates her answers with
Inside an empty yoga studio at questions like, “Would you like me
Ottawa’s Southminster United to tell you more?”
— and space Church, which was borrowed
for the interview, Payette blends
Before becoming Canada’s 29th
Governor General in October
BY CHLOE E. GIRVAN in easily with other enthusiastic 2017, Payette built an impressive
supporters of the local arts scene. career as an engineer, computer
Here tonight for a concert by scientist, and military jet captain.
the Ottawa Baroque Consort She was also the first Canadian
— featuring fellow soprano female astronaut to board the
Ellen McAteer, who recently International Space Station.
accompanied her as a delegate
on a trip to Africa — Payette For her, the decision to accept the
tucks herself into one of the Governor General appointment
DECEMBER 2018 IPOLITICS MAGAZINE 1
GOVERNOR GENERAL JULIE PAYETTE ON EXPLORING CANADA — AND SPACE
Photo: Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall © OSGG-BSGG, 2017
was almost instantaneous. “When breadth of things required, often to come from a scientific and
the prime minister and the country with zero preparation. This new technological background, and
calls, there is only one answer,” career did not come with the delight in being able to encourage
she said. “My son said, ‘Let’s go!’ instruction manuals, procedures, excellence and careers in STEM
and we didn’t hesitate.” process and training of my past (science, technology, engineering
Noting that Rideau Hall isn’t job, but brought with it the same and math).”
the easiest place for a teenager importance, responsibility, and Payette also firmly believes
to grow up, especially given its knowledge that failure is not an Canada must continue to invest in
isolated location, Payette has option.” science and innovation. “Science
nothing but praise for her son. “He Calling the constitutional duties of is so important, as it describes the
is really a good guy, who, when her role her greatest responsibility, world that we live in and is the
accompanying me to events, takes Payette chooses the “unbelievable reality we experience every day. It
his role very seriously, and I am experience of being able to is our understanding of how things
very grateful for that.” When later honour Canadians and recognize work and how to use what we
asked to name her greatest life excellence” as the aspect of the know to go further.”
accomplishment, she replies, “I am job she feels most privileged to As the commander-in-chief of
a very proud mom.” have. “We get to reward folks Canada, the Governor General also
Payette also endured challenges all the time, and partner with plays a major role in recognizing
of her own during her first year organizations to help them reward and supporting Canada’s military
as Governor General. “For me, it others in their particular field. I and their families both in
was the absolute diversity and am also the first Governor General Canada and abroad. This year’s
2 IPOLITICS MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018
GOVERNOR GENERAL JULIE PAYETTE ON EXPLORING CANADA — AND SPACE
Remembrance Day ceremonies
and commemoration of the 100th
anniversary of the Armistice of
the First World War was another
opportunity for Payette to
witness and engage in powerful
discussions about war.
“This year, we talked a lot about
war and what it represents,
both in Belgium and … at the
Silver Cross Mother luncheon
that we hold right after the
Remembrance Day ceremony.
This is such an important time,
because there we have with us a
mother who has lost her son, a
member of the Canadian Armed
Forces, in dire circumstances,
and who represents all mothers
who have lost a child. I think
we have concluded that war
is what happens when we
collectively fail, when we fail to
resolve our differences, to find a
compromise, or just reach across.
“The First World War stands as
an example of the destruction
that can happen when things go
too far and when egos take over
from rationality. Unfortunately,
wars still happen, and that is
where the effort of remembrance
is so important. To honour those
who have fallen, those who have
been injured, the families, loved
ones and civilians who have their
lives destroyed, but also to teach
the young ones to strive to get
along.”
Born and raised in Montreal, it
was the years she spent working
and living outside Canada that
cemented Payette’s patriotism.
“When you go abroad — and
I think this is true for every
nationality — home is home,
Photos: Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall © OSGG-BSGG, 2017
and it means something. It
made me very much appreciate
what makes Canadians who
they are. I think we are a young
country, full of excitement and
optimism. Would you like to hear
DECEMBER 2018 IPOLITICS MAGAZINE 3
GOVERNOR GENERAL JULIE PAYETTE ON EXPLORING CANADA — AND SPACE
my completely unscientific and
unproven theory on why I think
we are optimistic?”
With encouragement to proceed,
Payette says, “Every three
months, we become hopeful for
the next season. We are now
enjoying the first snow of winter,
but in three months, we will be
done with snow and ice and
looking forward to the crocuses
and daffodils of spring, to taking
a chair outside, even though it is
10 degrees, and to the smell of
the air when it starts to get nice
and the days get longer. And then
we look forward to summer and
swimming in the lake, festivals
and vacations. Autumn next
arrives with brightly coloured
leaves, apples, back to school
and new beginnings. And soon,
we are looking to the first snow
again.”
After travelling the country
extensively over the past year
and before, Payette says the
North is the place she wishes
every Canadian could visit.
“Canada is an Arctic nation, with
its geographical centre located in
Baker Lake, Nunavut. The North
is incredible to see, part of us,
and truly magnificent.”
In images taken before boarding
the Space Shuttle Endeavour,
and after piloting a Canadair
CT-114 Tutor jet (also flown by
the Snowbirds), Payette appears
calm and happy, prompting
the question: Is she afraid of
anything? She responds with
a quote by Nelson Mandela. “I
learned that courage was not the
absence of fear, but the triumph
over it. The brave man is not he
Photos: Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall © OSGG-BSGG, 2017
who does not feel afraid, but he
who conquers that fear.” To this,
she adds, “I strongly believe that
everybody has a spark or two
or many, an interest burning in
one’s heart that makes us want
GOVERNOR GENERAL JULIE PAYETTE ON EXPLORING CANADA — AND SPACE
to go further. Me, I had always space. So perhaps, if there is any mom.” With no offence to Elvis, a
wanted to fly airplanes.” surprise, it is how true that is.” lifetime of performing in choirs has
When asked if anything about Back on Earth, her home is also made Handel’s Messiah Payette’s
space surprised her, she smiles. inhabited by cats Yuri Gagarin ultimate holiday soundtrack.
“We aren’t too surprised by space and Valentina Tereshkova, named Listing education, children,
by the time we get there, which after the first man and woman to fairness, equity, diversity and equal
is a good thing; surprises mean go to space. An athlete who stays distribution of riches as some of
that we didn’t prepare well! We healthy with daily exercise, Payette the issues she feels passionately
are eager to go and execute the also finds joy at rest in “lots of about, it’s likely that Payette’s
mission, and if we look calm things,” such as spending time and holiday gift to Canada this season
prior to takeoff, it is because we sharing laughter with her family. will be her continued advocacy for,
have been very well trained and The holidays are also a time to and commitment to, the people
prepared. We are the very lucky gather and celebrate. Calling and country she holds dear.
ones that get to fly, but there herself a “gourmand,” which “I always say to every person from
are thousands of people behind loosely translates to “a person Canada that there is no reason
us that work at the planning, who loves good food and drink,” why you cannot fulfill your wildest
organization, construction and she’s unable to choose a favourite dream here, and that is why we are
management of all of these holiday dish. “We always do a so lucky. They have to believe me
missions. As a junior astronaut, Christmas tree and hang the when I say, ‘You can trust me on
you spend years listening to ornaments to Elvis Sings Christmas this one: The sky is not the limit.’ ”
your colleagues speak of the Songs, a tradition started by my
magnificence of the Earth from
EAT
THE
RICH!
the brig pub
23 york st. / byward market
ottawa, ontario / 613-562-6666Books for the political
junkie on your list
With the Yuletide nearly upon us, it’s a
safe bet that if you’re flipping through
this magazine, you likely have at least
one Canadian political obsessive on your
shopping list this year.
BY KADY O’MALLEY
While there’s no shortage of books that if book sales are sufficiently robust, it might just
documenting the psychodrama spark a matched set of sequels in which Harper offers
playing out south of the border — “brief and candid essays” from his time in office, with
Michael Wolff’s Fire and Fury, Bob Chrétien weighing in on the populist phenomenon.
Woodward’s Fear: Trump in the White There’s also former
House, and David Frum’s Trumpocracy, governor general David
just to name three — it would be a Johnston’s Trust: Twenty
shame not to include a little CanCon Ways to Build a Better
when stuffing stockings this year. Country — which, we
In that spirit, we’ve put together a list of books, should note, has earned
movies and television series to please even the a nod of approval
pickiest of partisans from reporter Kelsey
on the Canadian Johnson’s mom.
political spectrum. For a lighter touch that
For starters, why nevertheless conceals
not bundle two very a razor-sharp edge,
different offerings Rick Mercer wraps up
from two very his tenure as Canada’s
different prime ranter laureate with the
ministers for the aptly titled Final Report.
ultimate cross-aisle
reading experience:
Jean Chrétien’s My
Stories, My Times and
Stephen Harper’s
Right Here, Right Now.
We can only hope
DECEMBER 2018 IPOLITICS MAGAZINE 7BOOKS FOR THE POLITICAL JUNKIE ON YOUR LIST
Meanwhile, on the DVD front,
Other book suggestions: while it may not be Canadian,
Yes Minister: The Complete
Collection is at least set against
the comfortingly familiar
• For the poetry-lover: The backdrop of Westminster-style
Flame, a collection of parliamentary democracy, and
poems and other selections is, after all, still among the most
from the notebooks of the note-perfect political comedy
series ever made. Although we
late Leonard Cohen.
must admit it’s gotten a run
• For the inner child: John for its money in recent years,
Oliver’s A Day in the Life of thanks to both the original
Marlon Bundo or Stephen The Thick of It and its American
counterpart, Veep.
Colbert’s Whose Boat Is This
Boat? Just to be sure, why not pick up all three and hold a do-it-
yourself viewing marathon on Boxing Day?
• For an actual child: The
Finally, if for one reason or another one of the names left on
Wonky Donkey by Craig
your last-minute to-buy-for list happens to belong to Prime
Smith and Katz Cowley will Minister Justin Trudeau, we have it on excellent authority that
leave you in stitches. his personal wish list includes: Tanya Talaga’s All Our Relations,
• For the sore loser: Patrick which explores youth suicide in Indigenous communities, and
Le jeu de la musique, a collection of short stories by Quebec
Brown’s Takedown:
writer Stéfanie Clermont. We’re also told he’s hoping to get
The Attempted Political the new seasons of Kim’s Convenience and Fugueuse.
Assassination of Patrick
Meanwhile, Green Party Leader
Brown or Maxime Bernier’s Elizabeth May’s suggested stocking
Doing Politics Differently: My stuffers include Toronto Star bureau
Vision for Canada chief Susan Delacourt’s ahead-of-
its-time Shopping For Votes: How
• For the fiction-lover:
Politicians Choose Us and We Choose
Washington Black by Esi
Them, as well as Peter Russell’s
Edugyan, winner of the Two Cheers for Minority Government
2018 Giller Prize and Turning Parliament Inside Out,
• For the local historian: The a collection of essays edited by
former New Democrat MP Kennedy
quirky, yet lovable, Lost
Stewart that offers “practical ideas
Ottawa by David McGee is a for reforming Canada’s democracy”
solid choice. from contributors across the
ideological spectrum, including
current Commons denizens Scott
Simms, Michael Chong and May
herself.
(While we requested similar intel from the offices of the other
party leaders, not a single one got back to us by deadline, so if
you happened to wind up with Andrew Scheer in your Secret
Santa exchange, you’re on your own.)
8 IPOLITICS MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018There will be an extra spark to Christmas dinner this year.
Christmas
Don’t panic; government regulations haven’t reached into your kitchen to mandate
that turkey must be served instead of roast beef (yet) — but there’s a special
something in the air this year. Can you smell it?
The Liberals’ long-awaited campaign promise to legalize cannabis was delivered on
Oct. 17. Yet by setting the date just days after Thanksgiving, the government made
dinner
Christmas dinner the first holiday meal that Cousin Eddie-like relatives will get the
chance to slip a little extra somethin,’ somethin’ into.
But because the Liberals don’t yet want you smoking your weed and eating it too,
Canadians can’t yet buy pot in food form; they have to wait till next Oct. 17 for
COOKING WITH CANNABIS producers of gummy bears and chefs alike to unleash their edible creations on the
country.
For this year’s feast, your guide to getting high off Christmas dinner is brought to
you by the combination of the wonders of the Internet and the mind of a 23-year-
BY CHARLIE PINKERTON old who, at his own family feasts, tends to be relegated to cranberry-sauce duty.
We’re not reinventing the wheel here. There’s a reason why Christmas dinner never
changes, and that’s because it’s unbeatable. These pot-infused recipes will keep
that holiday taste you know and love, while adding the perfect touch of potency.
The Bud Bird Canna-berry sauce
Ingredients: Ingredients:
• 1 cup water • 1 cup water
• 2/3 cup unsalted butter • 1/2 cup olive oil
• 8 grams cannabis • 6 grams cannabis
• 12-lb turkey • 2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen
• salt • 1 cup sugar
• pepper Directions:
• additional herbs (optional) Grind cannabis, but not so fine that it goes through
Directions: your strainer.
Make cannabis butter: Grind cannabis to small, but Combine oil and cannabis in a slow-cooker set to
not fine, bits. Bring one cup of water to a boil in a low heat for six hours. Stir occasionally. Don’t let oil
medium saucepan. Add 2/3 cup unsalted butter. Once temperature exceed 240 F. Heating at slightly below
melted, add ground cannabis. Leave on low heat for this temperature will allow the THC in the cannabis to
two hours, stirring occasionally. Do not let this mixture transfer into the oil without burning.
come to a rolling boil.
Strain and store oil. Discard excess cannabis.
Strain cannabis and butter mixture through a cheese-
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine
cloth into a bowl, squeezing the cloth of the liquid
sugar, water and cranberries. Stir occasionally until
before discarding the substance left in the cloth.
sugar dissolves and cranberries are soft, about 10
Refrigerate the product in the bowl until the butter
minutes. Increase heat slightly and cook until cranber-
separates from the water.
ries burst, about 10 minutes.
Strain again, this time keeping the substance inside
Add cannabis oil and let simmer for a minute. Add
the cheesecloth. Put aside.
additional sugar to flavour.
Turkey time: Preheat oven to 350 F. Put turkey in large
roasting pan and spread cannabis butter over the
bird. Add seasonings — salt, pepper and other herbs
— to your liking. The Ontario Cannabis Store offers various strands on its website,
so the marijuana of choice should be left to the chef, although
Cook turkey for 13 minutes per pound (a 12-pound
products like “Moon,” “Harmonic” and “North Star CBD” sound
turkey means it should be cooked for two hours and
too good to be true for Christmas time. Take care when venturing
36 minutes). Baste turkey with cannabis-butter runoff into high-THC territory; you don’t want to be calling it quits
every 30 minutes. before sugar cookies are served, now, do you.
Proceed as usual with the rest of your typical sides and fixings
— and voilà! You’ll have a delicious, packed-with-pot Christmas
feast for the whole family (except members below the age of 18
in Quebec and Alberta and under 19 in every other province and
territory).
Hallelujah, and please enjoy responsibly.
DECEMBER 2018 IPOLITICS MAGAZINE 9Ho l i d a y Keeping with the spirit of the
season, we asked each federal
Gifts
leader what they would like to gift
other leaders for Christmas. Here’s
FROM what they came up with.
THE BY KELSEY JOHNSON
LEADERS
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
is leader of the Liberal Party of
Canada.
Maxime Bernier is a former
Conservative cabinet minister
who left the party this year Andrew Scheer: a climate plan!
to form the People’s Party of
Jagmeet Singh: a “JagMeet & Greet” with
Canada. His gift list has been
Roch Voisine
translated from French to English.
Elizabeth May: matching friendship bracelets
Justin Trudeau: A pipe to smoke pot that say “I pricing pollution.”
Andrew Scheer: A copy of my autobiography, Maxime Bernier: a gift basket of world-class
Doing Politics Differently: My Vision for Canada Canadian dairy products.
Elizabeth May: The Politically Incorrect Guide Mario Beaulieu: for ideas on how to bring
to Climate Change by Marc Morano people together, a signed copy of Common
Mario Beaulieu: A real leader Ground by Justin Trudeau
Jagmeet Singh: A seat in the House of
Commons
Andrew Scheer is leader of the Conservative Party of
Canada. *Editor’s note: Mr. Scheer did not get back to
us by press time, so the iPolitics team came up with
some suitable gift ideas.*
Justin Trudeau: A one-way ticket to India, since he
enjoyed the last trip so much
Jagmeet Singh: A handmade knit tie to add to his collection
Elizabeth May: Earplugs — so she doesn’t have to listen to the
yammerings of her seatmate, Maxime Bernier
Mario Beaulieu: A loudspeaker — so he can actually get
people’s attention
Maxime Bernier: A gift card for his local party-supply store
10 IPOLITICS MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018Mario Beaulieu is interim
leader of the Bloc
Jagmeet Singh is leader of the New Québécois. His list was
Democratic Party of Canada. *Editor’s translated from French to
note: Mr. Singh did not get back to us by English.
press time, so the iPolitics team crafted this
list on his behalf.* Justin Trudeau: We wanted to buy a
hanger for his clothes, considering all his
Justin Trudeau: Bollywood dance lessons travels, but our credit card is full.
Andrew Scheer: a stuffed dinosaur and the movie Ice Age Jagmeet Singh: A mirror. Convenient to
watch his back.
Elizabeth May: an honorary NDP membership
Andrew Scheer: A subscription to the
Mario Beaulieu: A lifetime supply of Quebec cheese National Post. Finally, an objective
Maxime Bernier: Leadership for Dummies newspaper! And a subscription to
the National Enquirer, so he can read
credible and serious news.
Elizabeth May: A giant cork-stopper for
the Trans Mountain pipeline
Maxime Bernier: Can you buy a Christmas
present for the Grinch? Coal is full of CO2,
so it must be good for the trees.
Elizabeth May is leader
of the Green Party of
Canada.
Justin Trudeau: A “Build your own
pipeline” LEGO set (all the fun and
none of the dilbit)
Jagmeet Singh: A seat in the House of
Commons
Andrew Scheer: A subscription to
the eminent journal Nature Climate
Change, to fill a gap in his education
Mario Beaulieu: A permanent leader
for the Bloc Québécois
Maxime Bernier: A lifetime supply of
good, Canadian, supply-managed milk
DECEMBER 2018 IPOLITICS MAGAZINE 11SANTA CLAUS
H 0H0
NORTH POLE H0
CANADA
,
Dear St. Nick th these letter
s, isn’t
y the ca se wi and have
, bu t th at’s generall on Pa rl ia ment Hill —
met befo re ng he re m really
We’ve never ca ll y th e oldest buildi ea k — in a few weeks, I’
m techni once, so to
sp you might
it? While I’ ck ” more than in a big way. As
th e “b lo co mi ng to make
been around nt . I’ ve got comp an y
g si de wa ys on the Hill
my mo me in
going to have ll be shuffl
th e Ho us e of Commons wi ar s.
have heard, s for a few
ye ce
me in my hall ughty-and-ni
itself at ho re in ch ar ge of the na be ro wdy,
you’ can
so pr ob ab ly aware (since a bi t of a handful. Some g ac ro ss
As you’re al can be llerin
of th es e House guests al l in th e same room, ho of it ems
list), some le ng e wh en they’re ll ed to ge th er a list
m a chal pu
making decoru e move, I’ve ed my way.
in pr ep ar ation for th ew in g br ouhahas head
e ai sl e. So r an y br
th epare fo
d help me pr a’ out?
I think woul ul d yo u help a sist
r, co
to anothe
inary being
From one imag
w
wed in the ne
FOR THE MPS: is n’ t te ch nically allo ru le s. My
coffee by th e
of tr av el mugs: While w re si de nt s will abide
• Leak-p ro tee my ne
e’s no guaran advance.
chamber, ther li ni ng thanks you in
fancy lime-c
olou re d g. It’s as
st ic k, no talkin al
e Speake r: No r profession
g/ sh ar in g stick for th on e th at ’s cane-like fo ch oo l- esque
• A talkin yb e tw o, ac tually; es pe ci al ly middle-s
at. Ma r
simple as th and fluffy fo
an d an ot he r that’s pink
banter,
ods. Practice:
question peri mm on s Procedure and —
House of Co who you are
of O’ Br ie n and Bosc’s er th e ru le s. (We know
• New copies memb
t seem to re
is is fo r MPs who can’
Th
too!) can be tucked
and you do, er s and tablets
phones, co mp ut really want
de sk s: Th at way, all de ba te , as we know they
ed on the over.
• Power-fill th at MP s can focus re ad y as soon as QP is
so r-
out of sight ill be Twitte
t th is wa y, they’ll st de of glass.
To
to. Bu
il di ng ’s ne w roof is ma pr ob ab ly not
ur e pa ds : The bu ls es ca la te, it’s
furn it e le ve to use
• Heavy-duty te ri ng when the nois in ca se MPs decide
protect it fr
om sh at hand — ju st , but you
ve fu rn iture pads on at th at ’s ever happened
ha th
a bad idea to ruments. Not
de sk s as pe rcussion inst
their natural
never know. is ne w Ho us e comes with
cause th ads. We
d su n- pr oof hats: Be to pr ev en t sunburned he
-appro ve g
• Parliament need somethin umm, coverage
we ’r e pr ob ably going to mb er s ha ve less natural,
light, some me
tell you that
don’t need to
than others. ts caused by
e th e pressure poin
to re li ev strain of
s: MP s wi ll need them at io ns , as well as the
er ov
• Foam roll e standing the floor.
lves all thos sleeping on
giving themse It ’s no t ea sy
ng marathons.
midnight voti
12 IPOLITICS MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018FOR SENATORS:
• A Hill tunnel and/or reliable
bus services, since, you kno
relegated to the Government w, they’ve been
Conference Centre all the way
Extra snow removal, salt and down the street.
gravel during the winter mon
welcomed; we don’t want anyone ths would also be
falling and breaking a hip!
winter boots are another goo Extra-grippy
d option.
• Sunglasses, to protect the
ir eyes from being blinded by
put this —colourful, Canada-in the — how shall I
spired carpet motif.
As a working man yourself, you
know it takes a village to gov
— at least, that’s what the ern a nation
elves have told me. So in the
I’ve come up with a few other spirit of giving,
items for those special folks
Parliament ticking. who help keep
• For the Parliamentary Press
Gallery, a physical work spa
functioning Wi-Fi, charging ce that has
stations, lots of access to
enough desk space for all. I’m hot coffee and
sure journos wouldn’t say no
Room” when Centre Block renova to a new “Hot
tions are done, either. And
throw a mini-bar into the mix if you want to
, well, let’s just say you’d
list next year. And the year be on the “nice”
after that.
• For the library/cafeteria/
cleaning/security staff, as
“hello”s and “thank you”s for many friendly
their work and service as you
muster. Seriously, the buildi r elves can
ng wouldn’t function without
them.
• For my friend, Centre Blo
ck, an on-budget and on-time
as painless as possible. May renovation that is
he soon be asbestos-free!
• For all: Detailed maps, may
be even in Google Maps form,
building, since I know everyo of the new
ne is going to get lost.
If you have any spare worker
s, I’m sure Public Works wou
help — but please beware: Wit ldn’t refuse the
h Ottawa’s public service sti
Phoenix pay-system debacle, ll caught in the
there’s no guaranteed they’l
be worth slipping a few mitts- l be paid. It might
full of $20s in their stocki
over. I can’t promise the abs ng to hold them
ence of red tape — even if you
North Pole’s best ribbon-cutte do send us the
rs — but I know you’re fond
so maybe that’ll make things of the colour red,
easier?
Yeah, I know. That’s a stretc
h.
And, finally, on a more person
al note: Please, please Santa,
bring the gold curtains over don’t let them
from Centre Block. Those thi
all they’re going to do is blo ngs are ghastly and
ck out my new natural light.
not be sad AT ALL if they hap Secretly, I would
pened to get caught by the Ete
made their way over — by acc rnal Flame as they
ident, of course — and went
ball of glory. They’ve had a down in a blazing
good run, after all.
With that, may the year 2019
be as exciting for you as I
me. know it will be for
Your friend,
West Block
DECEMBER 2018 IPOLITICS MAGAZINE 13Chantal Sc
had and C
hloe E. Gir
van. Photo
s: Matt U
sherwood
/IPOLITIC
S.
Is this Santa hat a great way to accessorize an
Christmas fashion ... outfit? Is there a better option?
Your Santa hat is ideal wear for volunteering at a
children’s holiday party or while ringing a bell to
and a few faux pas raise money. Alternatively, big earrings are the
number 1 accessory of the moment. The bigger
BY CHLOE E. GIRVAN the better, and a pair with sparkle, light or feathers
will transform an office look to cocktail chic.
Chloe Girvan Thank you for meeting with me What’s a good gift to impress anyone on your
today. Do you like my outfit? list?
Chantal Schad No. Cashmere is such a luxury item for both men
and women. A cashmere throw is lovely for
(lengthy awkward silence devoid of eye contact) women and can be worn over the shoulders, as
a scarf, or to stay cozy while travelling. Men love
Cool. What are some current holiday and winter receiving a nice cashmere scarf, too.
fashion musts?
Sparkle is huge this year, and not just for the Are there any festive or winter trends for men?
holiday season. It looks great for day or evening Of course! We’re seeing a lot more colour and
under a blazer or in a puffer jacket, like one we pattern in men’s collections. A neutral suit with
carry by Montreal designer Nicole Benisti. We’re a patterned shirt, either bright or subtle, is a hot
seeing a lot of gold, silver and other metallics. look into the New Year.
Lurex is also perfect for adding a bit of shimmer.
Do men need to wear a tie?
Can I wear sneakers with an evening gown? It’s always good to start the evening wearing a tie
I wear sneakers almost every day, but not for and transition to open-neck halfway through the
evening. If you have sore feet, a beautiful flat night.
will do the trick. Pay attention to your footwear,
as the wrong shoe can easily wreck a gorgeous How about wearing an extra-long tie with a
outfit. Never purchase shoes that you can’t walk mushroom-shaped tip?
in, and invest in a quality shoe bag for winter. This is Canada, be polite.
Visit schad on Sussex Drive or online to find these looks and more.
Contact Chloe E. Girvan to borrow light-up Christmas-tree slippers and motorized angel wings.
14 IPOLITICS MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018It’s not all work
in the precinct ...
The House Warming Party attracted
people from all parties and political
stripes to celebrate the return of the
42nd Canadian Parliament.
Guests raised a glass to Canada’s
parliamentarians and raised more
than $1,200 for tornado victims.
Policy, Prudence & Prosecco
was the theme at the last
Budget Party.
What’s it going to be this &
THE BUDGET PARTY
coming year?
SPONSORED BY:
Join us at the Metropolitan
Brasserie to find out.
Stay tuned for post-budget
chatter & bubbly in early 2019.
Photos: Fred Chartrand
DECEMBER 2018 IPOLITICS MAGAZINE 15iPoliticsLIVE is the events wing of iPolitics.
iPolitics bespoke events provide newsworthy
and in-depth discussions that raise the
visibility of important policy issues within
leaders and decision-makers in the political
community.
iPoliticsLIVE brings together experts and
leaders from various backgrounds and
perspectives to deepen understanding of
vital topics, advance innovative solutions to
major challenges and facilitate dialogue.
In-house events are salon-style gatherings
in an intimate setting and atmosphere that
inform, educate, engage and entertain.
Lead the conversation: events@ipolitics.ca / 613-789-2772naughty
&
2018
BY HOLLY LAKE
Nor do we envy the position Tony Clement now finds
So, it’s that time of year again. himself in. The parliamentary career of the longtime
Tory MP and party stalwart burst into flames late this
No, not for overindulging at the office party and taking
year after his penchant for messaging young women
the Christmas tree for a seductive spin across the dance
late at night on social media came to light — as did
floor — though if that does happen somewhere, we
attempts to extort him as a result. Not exactly the best
wouldn’t say no to the photos!
situation for a member of the secretive National Security
’Tis the season to break out our annual “Naughty and and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians to
Nice” list. Santa’s not the only one keeping track, you find himself in. But as Christie Blatchford noted in the
know! National Post, “When it comes to lust, brains are the first
thing to go out the window.”
Naughty
The former cabinet minister was booted from the
As you may (or likely don’t) recall, Phoenix topped Conservative caucus when it became clear the one-time
last year’s Naughty list. The federal government’s incident he initially revealed was anything but. He’s
problematic payroll system deserves to hold onto its title probably not faring much better on the home front;
again this year. It’s truly a gift that keeps on giving that there are bound to be some awkward family dinners in
way. The problem is, it’s not so inclined to give people the Clement household over the holidays.
the pay they’ve earned. In that regard, it’s certainly
giving Scrooge a run for his money. Of course, Clement isn’t alone in the bad-behaviour
books.
But hey, we’ll give a shout-out to those working to try to
fix it. We don’t envy you. In February, allegations of harassment landed on
Saskatchewan MP Erin Weir. He was kicked to the caucus
DECEMBER 2018 IPOLITICS MAGAZINE 19The
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Fares and conditions are subject to change without notice. TMTrademark owned by VIA Rail Canada Inc.NAUGHTY & NICE
Ford said Kimber “lasted about a
minute” after his office found out about
the accusations. In both cases, the
premier said the complainant asked to
be protected.
Most recently, in his new book, former
Progressive Conservative leader Patrick
Brown accused Finance Minister Vic
Fedeli of sexual misconduct, which Ford
has dismissed as a “disgusting smear campaign.”
Of course, Brown himself stepped down as party leader
in January amid allegations of sexual misconduct,
which he has repeatedly denied. He’s now the mayor of
Brampton.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. iPolitics/Matthew Usherwood That same month, Jamie Baillie was forced out as leader
of Nova Scotia’s Progressive Conservative Party following
curb in May after an investigation found the allegations an investigation into “allegations of inappropriate
to be credible. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said it was behaviour.”
clear Weir was unwilling to take responsibility for his
Sheesh.
actions, which meant “any rehabilitative approach” was
“untenable.” That didn’t stop Weir from fighting to get
back in, insisting his reinstatement “constitutes the only On to things that stank. We’re looking at you,
just outcome.” By September, Weir was looking for an #ClamScam. While we think Dominic LeBlanc did a lot of
external review of the investigation into the allegations great work as fisheries minister, what went down when
against him, but Singh panned that idea. All is not well in he issued a lucrative Arctic surf clam licence to the Five
the NDP family as a result, especially in Saskatchewan, Nations Clam Company earlier this year was beyond
where some 67 key members of the party have called fishy. And in September, Ethics Commissioner Mario
for Weir’s reinstatement. Dion agreed, finding that LeBlanc violated conflict-of-
So, needless to say, nothing about this situation is Nice.
Neither was the one that Quebec NDP MP Christine
Moore found herself in. After an injured veteran accused
her of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct
as an elected official, she was cleared by a third-party
investigation in May.
The NDP had launched the investigation and suspended
Moore’s caucus duties as a result of allegations that
surfaced belatedly of an inappropriate sexual encounter
— and subsequent interactions — with Glen Kirkland
after his appearance at a House of Commons committee
in 2013.
Dominic LeBlanc. iPolitics/Matthew Usherwood
Meanwhile in Ontario, the first real scandal of Doug
Ford’s new government came in November when interest rules. The move was awash in controversy from
Ontario Trade Minister Jim Wilson stepped down the moment it was announced in February. Five Nations
suddenly. He originally said it was to seek treatment had partnered with Premium Seafoods of Nova Scotia,
for addiction, but it soon came to light he was facing which is run by Edgar Samson, the brother of Liberal MP
allegations of sexual harassment. It would be days Darrell Samson. Later, another former Liberal MP, Todd
before Premier Ford acknowledged what was really Russell, now president of NunatuKavut, was brought
going on. on as a partner. iPolitics confirmed in May that Five
Nations had initially been led by Gilles Thériault, who
Around the same time, Ford’s director of issues
is the first cousin of Jolène Richard — LeBlanc’s wife.
management, Andrew Kimber, also resigned in the wake
LeBlanc denied the family connection played any role,
of a separate harassment complaint.
telling the House of Commons that Thériault was one of
About Kimber and Wilson’s exits, Ford said: “They’re his wife’s 60 first cousins. But in politics, like elsewhere,
done, they’re gone, see ya later.” perception is reality.
DECEMBER 2018 IPOLITICS MAGAZINE 21NAUGHTY & NICE
While new Fisheries Minister Jonathan Wilkinson issue and important story of our time, and May sounds
insisted in August there was nothing fishy about it the alarm accordingly at every opportunity. Some
all, his department has scrapped the whole plan and dismiss her as alarmist, but we think she’s spot-on in her
announced the process would start again from square assessment of the attention this warrants.
one. And she always returns our calls, so there’s that.
Moving on to Mad Max and the Peeps. As a nod to We think it was awfully nice of Foreign Affairs Minister
Gladys Knight and the Pips, that’s what we’ve dubbed Chrystia Freeland to invite U.S. Trade Representative
Maxime Bernier and his newly formed People’s Party of Robert Lighthizer to dinner at her house in October,
Canada. (It amuses us and that’s what counts.) once a new NAFTA was agreed to.
As sources told CBC News’ Katie Simpson, theirs was a
difficult relationship for a long time, which was certainly
not helped by the fact that Lighthizer is known to be
moody. Over the course of more than a year of testy
trade talks, Canadian officials never knew if they’d be
met with “SpongeBob or cranky Bob” when they arrived
at the table. Those of you who watch SpongeBob
SquarePants will appreciate the difference!
MP Maxime Bernier. iPolitics/Matthew Usherwood
We have Mad Max at the bottom of the Naughty list,
because we think he belongs on the Nice list, too. As
a vocal lot ourselves, we’re all for speaking one’s mind
and taking a stand. Frankly, there’s not enough of it in
politics. So while we don’t always agree with what shoots
from Bernier’s mouth, we appreciate someone who has
the gonads to express their opinion — and who marches
to the beat of their own drum, even when it means Official White House Photo/Evan Walker
breaking with the Conservative band and going off to
find new bandmates. There was yelling and name-calling by some, but,
with an even-keeled approach, plenty of maple candy
But lord, some of what he says stops even us in our (Lighthizer’s a fan), and Freeland’s unfailingly chipper
tracks at times! At the very least, he keeps it interesting. demeanour at the helm, the Canadian team managed
to keep the good ship USMCA (as U.S. President Donald
Trump eventually named it) on course.
Nice So our kudos to the entire team. “Nice” is a Canadian
Let’s start with Elizabeth May, as she stereotype, but sometimes it serves us well. Also, a
now shares a bench in the House with shout-out to the reporters who were stuck on the trade-
Mad Max. An odd couple, yes, but so deal beach in weather hot and cold.
far, they seem to be getting along.
We include the Green Party leader
We’ll also always tip our hat to standing up and saying
on our Nice list because we see
“sorry.” That’s what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did
her as one of the few politicians
in November when he delivered a federal apology to
on Parliament Hill who see the big
the survivors and families of 900 German Jews whose
picture — and how everything the
Green Party Leader pleas for asylum were ignored by Canada during the
Elizabeth May. iPolitics/ government does is part of that.
Holocaust.
Matthew Usherwood Climate change is the most pressing
22 IPOLITICS MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018NAUGHTY & NICE
It was 1939 when the captain of the MS St. Louis tried in and sent thousands of troops to America’s southern
vain to find homes for his passengers looking for refuge border to meet a caravan of migrants walking across
in Cuba and the United States. They were turned away Mexico — men, women and children who’ve walked
there, and again when they tried to dock in Halifax. more than 4,000 kilometres from Central America to
Then-prime minister William Lyon Mackenzie King flee persecution, poverty and violence in their home
rejected their request for a safe harbour, forcing the countries of Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
ship back to Europe. More than 250 people on that ship
would later die in the Holocaust.
The decision to turn the country’s back on European
Jews was “unacceptable then, and it is unacceptable
now,” Trudeau said, adding the federal government
“failed” a test of its humanity. “Their cries for help were
left unanswered, for Canada deemed them unworthy of
a home, and undeserving of our help.”
The sentiment was echoed by every party in the House
of Commons that day.
Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said it’s “a sign of
a healthy society to be able to look at history clearly Photo: Pexels.
and see both the light and the dark, to celebrate our
achievements, but to also mourn our failings.” He added:
”There is no shame as a country in acknowledging We’ll also give a shout-out to the Senate for finally
shameful acts in our past. The real shame would be in voting to send the Free Willy bill to the House. Despite
forgetting them.” Conservative Sen. Don Plett’s attempts to sink it using
every procedural stalling tactic in the books, the support
NDP leader in the House of Commons, Guy Caron, said was there to set the whales and dolphins free from the
the passengers were fleeing anti-Semitism, unaware it Red Chamber after nearly three years of being beached.
had crossed the ocean before them. Free Willy made his leap to the upper house in October.
Now, some may say this belongs on the Naughty list.
This now-infamous jaunt by our prime minister to India
in February was a gong show of epic, embarrassing
and international proportions. Trudeau even poked fun
at the debacle during the Parliamentary Press Gallery
dinner in May (as did every other party leader, and
several U.S. late-night TV hosts). But god, we had some
good laughs about it in the newsroom. The bhangra
dancing! The outfits! The photos! It was Evening Brief
gold.
In October, Andrew Scheer hopped a plane to India
to “repair” the relationship he said Trudeau had
“damaged,” promising there’d be no dancing or celebrity
chefs. What fun is there in that, we ask? Whatever you’re
doing, there should always be dancing!
NDP leader in the House of Commons, Guy Caron. iPolitics/Matthew Usherwood
On that note, we hope your holidays are happy. Our
advice is to eat, drink, and be merry — and of course
“Intolerance has no place here, yesterday, today and spend time with family and friends, even if some of
tomorrow,” he said. them also deserve to be on the Naughty list!
The statements were in stark contrast to what was While we hope there were lessons learned, anyone who
playing out south of the border, where 11 people can have fun at their own expense gets a pass on a lump
had been killed just days before at the Tree of Life of coal from us.
synagogue in Pittsburgh. They also came in a year when
Trump drove a policy that separated migrant children
from their parents and held those children in cages,
DECEMBER 2018 IPOLITICS MAGAZINE 23C hanne
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BY MARIEKE WALSH
24 IPOLITICS MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018o
h sl i d a y Ahh, the holidays. ‘Tis the season of special
song
smells, family traditions — and, yes, those
festive ear worms you either love to hate or
hate to love.
As you brace yourself for weeks of endless
holiday music blasted over the mall’s sound
system, we asked MPs to share with us their
YOU LOVE most-hated holiday tunes. They did not
TO HATE disappoint. Allow us to present a holiday playlist
that’s fit for the office Grinch.
BY KELSEY JOHNSON
& CHARLIE PINKERTON
Track 1 Track 4
Who: Conservative MP Bev Shipley, Liberal MP Darren Who: Green Party Leader Elizabeth May
Fisher and NDP MP Cheryl Hardcastle Song: Jingle Bell Rock
Song: Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer by Randy Reason: “No Christian could hate a Christmas Carol;
Brooks, performed by The Irish Rovers Christmas carols are hymns,” May told iPolitics. The
Reason: For the record, Shipley still loves this song. The same rule does not apply, however, to “idiot commercial
same can’t be said for his family. holiday music,” which May said “can be very painful.”
A retired dairy farmer, Shipley says he used to get up
early on Christmas morning and head to the barn to do Track 5
the morning milking. Upon his return, at around 6 a.m., Who: Liberal MP Ken McDonald
he would load up the family’s record player and blast Song: The Hat I Got for Christmas Is Too Beeg by Mel Blanc
the tune at full volume to wake up the rest of the house. Reason: McDonald doesn’t actually hate the song, but his
It’s a tradition he continues today — even if he no longer wife does, he told iPolitics. “I like it. I torment her with it,”
milks cows. He loves it. “I can’t say the same for some McDonald said. “I actually sing it. I don’t think I’ve heard
members of my family,” he chuckled. a Christmas song that I don’t like. I love Christmas —
Fisher says he hears the song too much and consider it from being a child until now, it’s a big event and it’s great
sacrilegious. “I was going to say (I hate songs) like ones family time for us and we try to keep the traditions alive.”
that have had multiple remakes, like by Bon Jovi or
Bruce Springsteen, but I actually don’t mind all those,” Track 6
Fisher said. Who: Liberal MP Robert-Falcon Ouellette
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer is too “unpleasant” Song: Ave Maria, a classic performed by many artists,
for Hardcastle’s liking. “It just gives you an unpleasant many times
visual,” she said. Reason: Ouellette says Ave Maria reminds him of being
a child and hearing the same songs over and over again.
“It’s not very exciting. I’d like to hear a rock version or a
Track 2 heavy metal version; I think that would be kind of cool.”
Who: People’s Party of Canada Leader Maxime Bernier
Song: O Come, Divine Messiah, a traditional carol Track 7
Reason: None given. Who: Liberal MP Hedy Fry
Song: Jingle Bells, the “Batman Smells” rendition
Track 3 Reason: “Pure annoyance.”
Who: Conservative MP John Barlow
Song: Christmas Don’t Be Late by Alvin and the Track 8
Chipmunks Who: the iPolitics newsroom
Reason: “It’s really annoying.” (Fair enough.) Song: Silent Night
Reason: It’s seriously depressing. Need we say more?
DECEMBER 2018 IPOLITICS MAGAZINE 25‘Tis the season for Secret Santas,
holiday get-togethers and season’s
greetings. We reached out to
Merry mixing
some of the many embassies
located in Ottawa and Canada’s
missions abroad for their tips for
infusing some liquid holiday cheer
into the weeks ahead.
While some will keep their
H O L I D AY D R I N K G U I D E celebrations classic with, in the
BY IPOLITICS words of the French embassy,
“CHAMPAGNE!!!” others will
indulge in traditional tipples and
creative cocktails. Here is what
embassy staff will be sipping this
season.
Posada Punch
Submitted by the Mexican Embassy
• 1 kilogram diced guavas
• 1 kilogram apples, cut into six slices Damrak Gin & Tonic
• 1 kilogram peeled and sliced sugarcane Submitted by the Embassy of the Kingdom of
• 500 grams peeled, diced and pitted
tejocote
the Netherlands
• 1.75 oz Damrak gin
• 250 grams prunes
• 5 oz tonic water
• 250 grams raisins
• 1-2 orange slices
• 1 cinnamon stick
Fill a copa glass with ice cubes. Pour in the
• Sugar, as desired
Damrak gin and top with tonic. Garnish with
• 1 bottle of red wine
two orange slices and a cinnamon stick. Stir
• Rum or brandy, as desired
briefly.
Place all fruits, cinnamon and sugar in a pot
with enough water to cover them. Simmer,
covered, for 1 hour. Uncover and pour in the
wine, let boil for 10 more minutes. The better
the wine, the better the punch will taste. If
it’s too cold outside or if you enjoy a strong
punch, try pouring some rum or brandy
into it; your Posada will be an even greater
success, we guarantee it. Serve hot in clay
jugs. Serves 16. Bohemian Cocktail
Submitted by the Embassy of the Czech Republic
Recipe from the book Recetario del Cine
• 1 part Becherovka bitters
Mexicano by Marie-Pierre Colle Corcuera,
• 0.5 part freshly pressed lemon juice
1996, p.19.
• 0.25 part elderflower cordial
• 0.75 part fresh pineapple juice
Shake all ingredients and strain into ice-filled
glass. Garnish with a slice of cucumber.
26 IPOLITICS MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018MERRY MIXING
Arctic Fizz
Submitted by the Embassy of Canada in
Iceland
• 45 mL Ungava gin
• 30 mL lemon juice
• 15 mL simple syrup
• 90 mL soda
• Garnish: orange zest and a cherry
Load all ingredients (except soda and garnish)
into a Boston shaker. Shake well and strain
over ice in a highball glass. Garnish with
Orange-plum Glühwein orange zest and cherries and finish with soda.
Submitted by the Embassy of Germany
• 2 litres sweet red wine
• 200 mL orange juice
• 400 grams plums
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 tsp dark rum Winter Pimm’s punch
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon Submitted by the British High
• 2 star anise Commission in Ottawa
• 3 cloves Think Pimm’s is just for summer?
• 1 vanilla bean Christmas — and the folks at the British
Pour the sugar into a pot and heat over High Commission in Ottawa — beg to
medium heat until it caramelizes and differ.
becomes light brown. Add the washed • 500 mL Pimm’s
and pitted plums and stir them together • 500 mL brandy
with the caramelized sugar for a minute • 1½ litres apple juice
(on high heat). Deglaze the sugar and • 2 cinnamon sticks
plums with the orange juice and add all • apple, sliced
the spices (vanilla bean, star anise, cloves • orange, sliced
and cinnamon) at the same heat. • ice
Let everything boil for about 2 minutes. There’s nothing fancy involved in making
this punch. Just toss it all into a jug, stir,
Add the red wine and turn down to and pour. Keep it simple — not bad
medium heat again. Do not let the wine advice for the holiday season.
boil or the temperature in the pot to
exceed 75 C.
Let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes,
checking the temperature regularly with a
thermometer.
Remove the pot from the stove, add the
dark rum and pour everything through a
sieve. Two tablespoons of honey can be
added if extra sweetness is desired.
Don‘t let the mulled wine cool down, since
it’s supposed to be enjoyed hot! Serves
10.
By Christian König, chef
DECEMBER 2018 IPOLITICS MAGAZINE 27MERRY MIXING
Irish coffee Gemmer Bier (Ginger Beer)
Submitted by the Embassy of Ireland Submitted by the High Commission of South Africa
• 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee South Africa’s Christmas beverage of choice
• 1 tbsp brown sugar is ginger beer, which is best enjoyed with
• 1 jigger Irish whiskey (1 1/2 ounces or 3 tbsp) homemade scones. Since Christmas falls during
• Heavy cream, slightly whipped the summer season in South Africa, ginger beer
Fill a mug (it should be footed if you’re going is the best way to cool down in the extreme
for the real thing!) with hot water to preheat it, heat. “You will find it in almost every household,”
then empty. Add 1 tbsp dark brown sugar into said the South African High Commission’s third
the mug. Pour hot coffee into mug and stir to secretary of administration, Puleng Mbinda
help dissolve the sugar. Blend in Irish whiskey. Here’s how to make a 20-litre batch.
Carefully spoon whipped cream onto the top of • 20 litres water
the coffee. Ideally, you want to do this by pouring • 250 mL ground ginger
it gently over the back of spoon. Serve hot. • 2.5 kilograms brown sugar
Michael Hurley, deputy head of mission at the • 20 grams instant yeast
Embassy of Ireland, says adding the cream is the • 15 mL bicarbonate of soda
critical step: “It’s meant to sit on top. If you’re not • 15 mL tartaric acid
gentle enough with the cream, it will gloop in • 40 mL lemon essence (optional)
there. It tastes the same, but it doesn’t look the • 250 grams raisins
same.” Bring 10 litres of water to a boil before adding
the ginger and boiling for another five minutes.
If you’re under the weather over the holidays Pour that mixture into a bucket that holds 20
and forgoing festivities, the Embassy of Ireland litres. Then add the sugar and stir until it dissolves
has your back with a recipe for hot whiskey before adding the remaining water. Once
that will have you back on your feet in no time: lukewarm, sprinkle in the yeast and continue
Simply pour whiskey in a glass and top it up with stirring. Then add the bicarbonate of soda, tartaric
hot water, but put a spoon in first to prevent acid, lemon essence and raisins. Mix this well
breaking the glass. before covering and brewing to mature for 12-24
Toss in some brown sugar and a handful of hours. After brewing, strain, then gradually pour
cloves, and you’ll be feeling better in no time. into sterilized glass bottles to refrigerate. Serve
chilled on a sunny South African Christmas Day.
Swedish Glögg
Submitted by the Embassy of Sweden
This recipe for glögg is served at the Swedish Ambassador’s residence
during the holidays. It goes well with gingerbread and blue cheese.
• ¾ cup vodka
• 1/2 cinnamon stick
• 1 slice of ginger
• 5 cloves
• Seeds from 8 cardamom pods
• 1 strip of orange peel (use a potato peeler)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
• 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 bottle of red wine
• Blanched almonds
• Raisins
Crush the spices and let them soak in the vodka for 2 days. Add the
orange peel and vanilla sugar and let sit for one more day before
straining out the spices. Pour the wine and vodka mixture into a pot, add
the sugar and heat it to 70 C. (It must not boil!) Serve in small cups with
peeled almonds and raisins. Skål!
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