My Secret Crush: Justin Trudeau

by Margot Mallinson, Editorial Coordinator, Trade Publishing

(This post is a very personal opinion and is not a reflection of the political opinions, or an endorsement of such, by my employer. Though they probably agree he’s handsome.)

In my heart, there’s only one Justin from Canada who matters, and I share that crush with about 39% of voting Canadians. Our current prime minister:

Very much look forward to being there again, this time as PM. // J’ai très hâte d’y participer à nouveau, cette fois en tant que PM.

A photo posted by Justin Trudeau (@justinpjtrudeau) on Feb 22, 2016 at 2:38pm PST

My crush actually started over a decade ago, well before this most recent sweep of Trudeaumania. (I liked him before it was cool…) The national newspaper, The Globe and Mail, did a profile on the young Trudeau, including a full-page photo. I ripped it out of the paper and stuck it on the fridge, joking with my parents that he was my future husband.

But he’s not just easy on the eyes, ladies! He’s a feminist – appointing half his cabinet as women, with women as his chief of staff and Government House leader. He’s in favor of science, creating the post of Minister of Science and freeing up federally funded research to be accessible by the public. He stepped up to expand refugee targets for the country in order to help with the global crisis created by the conflict in Syria. And he’s finally shining a spotlight on Canada’s very serious issues regarding the systemic oppression of the First Nations people. While serious action has yet to follow all the promises, it is an important start. So for me, his morals and intentions are in the right place.

He also enjoys boxing.

At @gleasonsgym in Brooklyn, @give_a_kid_a_dream_gleasons gets kids off the street and into the ring. Thanks for welcoming me to train with them today. Au @gleasonsgym de Brooklyn, avec @give_a_kid_a_dream_gleasons, les enfants sortent de la rue pour entrer dans le ring. Merci de m’avoir accueilli pour m’entraîner avec eux aujourd’hui.

A photo posted by Justin Trudeau (@justinpjtrudeau) on Apr 21, 2016 at 1:47pm PDT

And yoga.

RT @gregkolz: JT is level-headed & able to bring Canada to new heights. That’s why he’s my choice for #Liberal Leader pic.twitter.com/ooUfOLVnfX

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 8, 2013

There’s something to be said for bringing some youthful passion to politics. He and our first lady certainly do that. Check out this clinch worthy of the cover of a romance novel:

We’re all on this planet together. During #EarthHour and every day thereafter. Read more: earthhour.org • Nous vivons tous ensemble sur cette planète, à l’#heuredelaterre et le reste du temps: earthhour.org

A photo posted by Justin Trudeau (@justinpjtrudeau) on Mar 19, 2016 at 7:00pm PDT

I mean, COME ON.

Also pandas.

Today I had the pleasure to unveil the names of the Toronto Zoo’s panda cubs! Say hello to Jia Panpan (Canadian Hope) & Jia Yueyue (Canadian Joy). J’ai eu le plaisir aujourd’hui de dévoiler le nom des bébés pandas du Zoo de Toronto ! Bonjour Jia Panpan (espoir canadien) et Jia Yueyue (joie canadienne).

A photo posted by Justin Trudeau (@justinpjtrudeau) on Mar 7, 2016 at 8:51am PST

Regardless of your politics (which I respectfully decline to debate here…we’re talking about a crush, after all), it’s refreshing to have a hopeful, optimistic leader. I’m sure there will be much to critique about his time in power, but for now, the blush of the crush is still there.