President Obama Gave Amazing Shout-Out To Maryam Monsef In House Of Commons

Obama shaking hands with MP Monsef

It was an amazing and unexpected moment in the House of Commons for Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef Wednesday night.

During a powerful and rousing speech to Parliament by U.S. President Barack Obama, he gave a beautiful and touching shout-out to Monsef, telling the story of how she fled Afghanistan with her mother and siblings after her father was killed by the Taliban. Many on social media said it was the highlight of his talk.

 

VICE News Canada Features Editor Justin Ling tweeted this...

Buzzfeed Canada Politics reporter Emma Loop tweeted this...

Speaking of the need to embrace immigrants, Obama said this of Monsef, the Minister of Democratic Institutions, in his speech:

"We see the refugees who feel that they have a special duty to give back, and seize the opportunities of a new life. Like the girl who fled Afghanistan by donkey and camel and jet place and who remembers being greeted in this country by helping hands and the sound of robins singing. And today she serves in this chamber and in the cabinet because Canada is her home."

Monsef was blown away by the remarks, and later tweeted this:

A standing ovation for Monsef was given after Obama's remarks in the House of Commons.

Buzzfeed's Emma Loop tweeted this video of Obama shaking hands with Monsef after his speech...

"It was unexpected," Monsef tells PTBOCanada of Obama's shout-out. "It was humbling and lovely. I immediately thought of my mother, her courage, her pursuit of a better life for her and her kids."

Monsef, who says it was really neat to shake hands with Obama, tells PTBOCanada this of what the moment means to her and her upbringing in Peterborough: "My story is what it is because of Peterborough, which treated my family so well when we came here. It's just another reminder about the people of our community, and their acts of kindness. How these acts of kindness and community are never forgotten."

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Maryam Monsef Encourages Businesses To Apply For Funding Through Canada Summer Jobs Program

The Government of Canada recently announced that it is fulfilling its commitment to double the number of summer jobs to be created for students, helping them build a stronger future and obtain the skills and experience they need to contribute to our collective economic growth.

Funding for the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program is also doubling to $220 million annually for the next three years beginning this year. This new funding will help expand the number of youth who can be hired from just over 34,000 in 2015 to up to 70,000 this summer.

According to a release from MP Maryam Monsef, in Peterborough-Kawartha the priorities focus on skilled trades, tourism, arts and culture, and community celebrations but all eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.

Says Monsef: "I encourage small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and public sector employers in Peterborough-Kawartha to apply for funding through Canada Summer Jobs program so that we can help our students gain the skills and experience they need to be successful, while supporting employers who need additional staff for the summer.”

The application period opened on January 4th, 2016 and has been extended until March 11th, 2016. Applicants approved for funding will be able to hire students as early as May 2016.

For further information and to apply, visit servicecanada.gc.ca/csj or visit a Service Canada Centre.
 

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Watch Maryam Monsef's Passionate Maiden Speech In The House Of Commons

On Monday (January 25th), MP Maryam Monsef gave her Maiden Speech to the House of Commons as a Member of Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha.

In her passionate talk, she made commitments to the people of her riding here and to the people of Canada. She also made a plea for civility to her colleagues in the House to work together and make this country all that it can be.

Watch her speech below...

On January 25th, 2016, Maryam Monsef spoke for the first time as a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons. Watch her "Maiden Speech" and her special message for the people of Peterborough--Kawartha.

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Maryam Monsef Announces Open House February 8th At Her Constituency Office

Maryam Monsef, Member of Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha, is hosting an Open House on Monday, February 8th, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at her new constituency office located at Suite 4 (Ground Level), 417 Bethune Street.

Constituents are welcome to stop by the office and meet their MP at the Open House.

The new digs

The new digs

The constituency office in Peterborough is currently open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., for constituents. Constituents of Peterborough-Kawartha can now also contact the office by phone at 705.745.2108; Toll-Free at 1.800.567.8554 or via email here.
 

In order to provide greater access to constituents, MP Monsef will also open a rotating rural constituency office in each township in the County of Peterborough. A staff member will be available at the following locations on the noted days to provide services for constituents:

Douro-Dummer
Township Office, 894 South Street, Warsaw
First Tuesday of each month, starting February 2
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
 
Selwyn
Lakefield Scout Ship, 13 Water Street North, Lakefield
Second Thursday of each month, starting February 11
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
 
North Kawartha
Boardroom, North Kawartha Public Library, 175 Burleigh Street, Apsley
Third Thursday of each month, starting February 18
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Havelock-Belmont-Methuen
Township Office, 1 Ottawa Street East, Havelock
Fourth Wednesday of each month, starting February 24
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
 
Trent Lakes
To be confirmed

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Maryam Monsef Appointed To Cabinet As Minister Of Democratic Institutions

Thirty-year-old Liberal MP Maryam Monsef—the first woman Peterborough has ever elected to serve in Ottawa (and the first Afghan-Canadian MP)—now also has another amazing honour after being sworn in for a cabinet position.

From CBC News

From CBC News

Monsef was appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as Minister of Democratic Institutions in a swearing-in-ceremony at Rideau Hall Wednesday morning (November 4th).

From CBC News

From CBC News

From CBC News

From CBC News

The PCVS and Trent University grad is the first federal cabinet minister from Peterborough since the late Seventies.

photo via Twitter

photo via Twitter

Learn more about Monsef's backstory in this feature article—"From Afghanistan To Iran To Peterborough: One Woman's Amazing Story Of How A City (& A School) Saved Her Life"—we posted in 2012.

Read her biography here and this excellent profile the Ottawa Citizen did on her.
 

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Maryam Monsef Becomes First Female MP In History Of Peterborough

For the first time ever, Peterborough has elected a woman to serve in Ottawa, as Liberal Maryam Monsef defeated Conservative candidate Michael Skinner and NDP candidate Dave Nickle.

"Today isn't the end, it's actually the beginning. The beginning of a lot of hard work to meet the commitments I made," she said in her victory speech to constituents at Showplace Peteborough.

Monsef had 29,091 (43.1%) of the vote in the decisive win, on a night when the Liberals formed a majority government under new Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The 30-year-old PCVS and Trent University grad is also the youngest person ever elected from this riding.

Monsef tweeted out her thanks shortly after her win....

Learn more about Monsef's backstory in this feature article—"From Afghanistan To Iran To Peterborough: One Woman's Amazing Story Of How A City (& A School) Saved Her Life"—we posted in 2012.

Read her biography here.
 

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8 Local Women You Really Need To Meet

You know how you hear about this person or that person being super cool, and someone you ought to meet? Well here are a few amazing women in Peterborough and the Kawarthas we've compiled. If you ever get the chance to have coffee with them, don't pass it up. In no particular order, here we go...

1. Peggy Shaughnessy

For starters, Peggy is the owner of the legendary Whistle Stop at the corner of George & Charlotte—which has some of the best poutine (and conversation) you'll find anywhere on the planet. But much more than that, Peggy is an angel to the less fortunate in society—or those just struggling in their day to day lives. She is a tireless crusader who helps people who come in off the street looking for help or through her mental health Redpath programs she runs across Canada. She is also one of the funniest people you'll ever meet, a great storyteller—and an even greater listener.

2. Maryam Monsef

Maryam is the current Federal Liberal candidate for Peterborough [UPDATE: and now MP] and was a close runner-up in the Peterborough mayoral race last fall. Politics aside, she has an infectious energy and attitude toward life. She believes anyone—regardless of age, race, gender or experience—can change the world through courage, passion, conviction and knowledge. She's living proof of that. She also totally loves Peterborough—it saved her life—and knows that everyone has a story to share, and that anyone can make a difference.

3. Sofie Andreou

Sofie is known for her passion of leveraging the power of online marketing—speaking and training people in Peterborough and far beyond. But she is also a community ambassador, with her countless roles with supporting local charities and business initiatives and economic development. This entrepreneur has instrumental roles with Women's Business Network (WBN) and the Bears' Lair Entrepreneurial Competition. She's also witty, supportive and helpful to all—a great sounding board. A true community builder.

4. Leslie Bradford-Scott

On a cash crop farm in Bailieboro, Leslie has the makings of a global empire with her funky gift products for men and women put out by her company Walton Wood Farm. Leslie has written award-winning screenplays but one could also write a screenplay about her own life—see her quirky "Owner's Story" here. She sees the great comedy in life's situations, which is reflected in her hilarious display copy and fresh approach on her Walton Wood products. Her story is one of perseverance, fortitude—and humour—and it's no wonder her business is taking off. If you meet her, you'll see why she has all the right ingredients to succeed. And she'll likely share some great nuggets of wisdom with you.

 

5. Kate Wells

Kate is a passionate autism advocate—often live tweeting the daily ups and downs of living with a child of autism. Kate is remarkably transparent about the huge extremes of dealing with her teenage autistic son Aidan, giving us a raw look into the impact it has on her family and mental health. But Kate's attitude is amazing through the highs and lows, and if you meet her in real life you'll see why. She's smart, funny, self-deprecating and insightful all at once. And she could care less about being judged. She owns her own life. Oh, and she is also a great writer who one day we'd like to see write a book about living with autism—an extended version of her Twitter handle.

6. Cindy Crowley

Cindy pictured with her husband Dave

Cindy pictured with her husband Dave

Cindy co-owns Ricky’s All Day Grill with her husband Dave. She makes comfort food there, but also is comfort food. When you meet Cindy, you feel like you've known her forever—like re-connecting with a long-lost friend or family member. Cindy is a life-long resident of Peterborough and is supportive of all things that build community. Say hi to her next time you're at Ricky's and see you'll see what we mean.

7. Kemi Akapo

Kemi has the best smile in Peterborough—but that's just the beginning. A passionate community advocate and social activist, Kemi is Settlement Services Coordinator at New Canadians Centre—and earlier this year was an NGO delegate at United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York, attending as a representative of the YWCA. She also has a great radio voice—and is a terrific interviewer—hosting a People of Peterborough show on Trent Radio. Meet her if you can.

8. Anne Arnold

The former Director of Business Development at The Venue, Anne is also a wife, mom, nana, volunteer and passionate community ambassador. She's been involved with many organizations and charities over the years, including International Dragon Boat Festival, Habitat for Humanity Women Build Committee, Easter Seals Telethon Committee, Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life and more. She can offer great wisdom and advice based on her years of experience in business and volunteering. Oh, and she once took Bobby Orr waterskiing in Parry Sound. But we'll let her tell you about that.

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Maryam Monsef Launches Federal Liberal Nomination Campaign For Peterborough-Kawartha Riding

UPDATE: February 4th. The full press release from today's announcement...

At a gathering of friends and supporters at Sam’s Place in Peterborough, Maryam Monsef announced her candidacy for the Peterborough Kawartha Liberal nomination. "I believe it is time to do politics differently in Peterborough-Kawartha riding and provide a progressive alternative to the politics of division practiced by Steven Harper and the Conservative party. In our community we have clear evidence that the Conservative Party have pursued policies which have hurt, not helped the people of our community.”

Ms. Monsef attended PCVS and is a graduate of Trent University. She is co-founder of the Red Pashmina Campaign, recipient of the YMCA's Peace Medallion in 2013, represented Peterborough at the United Nations for the Commission on the Status of Women in 2013, and is an experienced community organizer. She is a sought after speaker on topics such as leadership, youth, women and inclusion.

Maryam, who recently ran for Mayor in Peterborough and garnered nearly 10,000 votes, pointed to a series of issues which she believes need to be addressed to make our community an even better place to live, work, raise a family and provide every resident an opportunity to achieve their full potential.

“I believe we need a national housing strategy that seeks to provide affordable accommodation, new investments in public transportation to ensure greater access to work and vital services and new investments in infrastructure to help meet the needs of a growing community.” Maryam told her supporters.

She went on to describe the importance of pursuing an economic development strategy which strengthens the small business community, builds a knowledge based economy, promotes the region’s cultural and tourism industries and builds on community strengths to attract investments leading to new jobs.

Ms. Monsef expressed her profound concern with the current government’s approach to environmental issues. “We have an obligation to our children and our children’s children to protect our environment and allow the next generation to enjoy clean water, safe air to breathe, and a natural environment that nurtures the soul and is not polluted by careless use.” She continued, “When it comes to climate change, not only does Steven Harper and his Ministers refuse to act, many of them simply deny it exists.”

Also present at the launch was Cammie Jaquays. Ms. Jaquays recently stepped aside from the nomination race and is now supporting Ms. Monsef. "I congratulate Cammie on her excellent campaign and the large number of new members she has brought into the Liberal party. I am proud to call her friend and am very appreciative of her support,” remarked Maryam.

Over the next few weeks Maryam will be meeting with area residents and asking them to join her in bringing change to Ottawa. Maryam ended her address with a clear commitment to the constituents of Peterborough-Kawartha “I promise to listen carefully, work hard on your behalf and provide a new way of doing politics that responds to the needs of local citizens”.

MaryamMonsef.ca | 705.931.2244 | Twitter @MaryamMonsef | Facebook.com/VoteMonsef

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ORIGINAL POST

Breaking news...

Maryam Monsef has announced the launch of her campaign to be the Liberal candidate in the next Federal election and to be Peterborough’s next MP. Her official campaign launch takes place Wednesday, February 4th at 10 a.m at Sam’s Place, 188 Hunter Street West, in Peterborough.

More info to come...

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PTBOCanada Featured Video Post: Maryam Monsef On Why She Should Be Mayor Of Peterborough

Promoted post by Maryam Monsef campaign team

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Maryam Monsef Enters Mayoral Race In Peterborough

Maryam Monsef has announced she is entering the race as candidate for the next Mayor of Peterborough.

"I believe Peterborough has what it takes to become a world-class city," says Monsef in a media release. "Despite our many gifts and successes, we are not there yet. To be a world-class city we need a better, more sustainable economy. We need neighbourhoods filled with people who have a great sense of community and belonging. I'm ready to lead."

Monsef grew up in Peterborough. She attended Grove and James Strath Public Schools before attending PCVS. She is a proud graduate of Trent University.

"I was raised by a single mother who left the uncertainty of life in Afghanistan so that her daughters could eventually become full and contributing members of society," says Monsef. "Two decades later, I stand here proud to be a product of everything Peterborough does best. The people of Peterborough saved my life. It's time for me to give back."

"My successes are rooted in my belief that dialogue, collaboration and creativity are cornerstones of effective leadership," says Monsef. "I will do the job in a way that will make this community proud."

The slogan for her campaign—which is being run by Jonathan Bennett—is: LISTEN. LEAD. THRIVE. Of note, Monsef is Co-founder of the Red Pashmina Campaign, recipient of the YMCA's Peace Medallion in 2013, represented Peterborough at the United Nations for the Commission on the Status of Women in 2013, and is an eperienced local board member. She was also on Peterborough This Week's list of Peterborough's 20 most influential people in 2013.

You can learn more on her campaign website she is launching.

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