Sussex family makes 'crazy' drive for Justin Trudeau's swearing-in

The chance to catch a glimpse of prime minister-designate Justin Trudeau or his new cabinet was enough to convince one New Brunswick family to make a last-minute, "crazy" trek to the nation's capital.

• LIVE BLOG: Justin Trudeau and his new cabinet sworn in at Rideau Hall
• LIVE: Justin Trudeau's Liberal cabinet to be sworn in at Rideau Hall

Lloyd Ravn said his wife texted him on Tuesday afternoon with an interesting proposal: pack up their three sons and travel from Sussex to Ottawa to watch the swearing-in ceremony from the grounds of Rideau Hall.

"My first thought was not a chance, that is crazy," Ravn said, shortly after he arrived in Ottawa on Wednesday.

"And I gave it a little while and it sounded like a great idea. Absolutely crazy, but a lot of fun."

The family, including their sons who are 10, 7 and 4, packed into their vehicle and left at 8:30 p.m. Ravn said they finally parked in downtown Ottawa at about 7:30 a.m.

Ravn said his family were large supporters of Alaina Lockhart, the Liberal candidate who had a surprise victory in the riding of Fundy Royal over Conservative incumbent Rob Moore.

This isn't the first time the family has turned out to see Trudeau.

When the Liberal leader campaigned in Sussex during the campaign, they made sure they were in attendance.

Two of his sons had hand-made signs and were waiting for the Liberal leader when he arrived. Ravn said his seven-year-old son, Alex, was given a high-five from Trudeau when he got off his campaign bus.

After the speech was over, Trudeau came over to greet their 10-year-old son, Eric, who is in a wheelchair.

"He came over and gave a high-five and Eric is non-verbal but the smile that he had when he met Mr. Trudeau after hearing about him all those months, said a lot," he said.

Ravn said he expects the atmosphere on Rideau Hall to be "electric" and worth the "crazy drive" from southern New Brunswick.

He also said he believes it will be a great experience for his sons to see the culmination of months of hard work for Trudeau and their newly elected MP.

"I think that what they have learned over the past few months and past few weeks in particular is how each individual in the community can make a difference," he said.

As for whether he might get another chance to meet the new prime minister, Ravn said he isn't holding his breath.

"But I certainly wouldn't be surprised if there is some crowd interaction. We are not here for that," he said.

"But we want to be part of what really is a historical event. "