The Current

Proud parents of newly elected MPs share their stories

The new Liberal caucus, considered the most diverse of any governing party, is full of individuals whose early lives forced them to shatter stereotypes and confront the odds, to eventually take their place in Parliament. Today, we hear from a few of their proud parents.
O'Dessa Caesar, MP for Whitby, Ontario, has spent years building a name for herself as a successful entrepreneur and celebrated research consultant. (Courtesy of O'dessa Caesar)

Liberal leader Justin Trudeau is embraced by his mother Margaret Trudeau (R) as he arrives to give his victory speech after Canada's federal election in Montreal, Quebec, October 19, 2015. (Jim Young/Reuters)
"He's my boy and he's taking on the biggest  job. We were waiting a long time before he came out to make his speech so it had all sunk in."- Margaret Trudeau, on waiting for her son's victory speech as Prime Minister
Celina Caesar-Chavannes, MP for Whitby, Ontario.

Margaret Trudeau – perhaps better than any other parent – knows precisely the pressures and pleasures that life in the political spotlight will bring.

But there were moms and dads right across the country on election night, celebrating their own children's victories and new role as MPs.

Some are parents who came to Canada to make a better life for their children and who now see those same children on a national political stage.

Richard Hehr, with wife Judy, son Kent and daughter Kristie. (Courtesy of Richard Hehr)

Today we're bringing together a panel of parents of new Liberal MPs.

Kent Hehr with his sister Kristie. Kent's father says he knows his son will be a fabulous Veterans Affairs Minister because of his strong work ethic and empathy. (Courtesy of Richard Hehr)

This segment was produced by The Current's Karin Marley and Vancouver Network Producer, Anne Penman.