The Pearson Centre Presents: An Evening with the Right Honourable Joe Clark

On Wednesday, May 22nd, some 300 enthusiastic Canadians gathered in Ottawa to honour the lifetime of public service of the Right Honourable Joe Clark. The date itself coincided with Mr. Clark’s election as our 16th Prime Minister in 1979.

The evening began with a reception which allowed guests a chance to mix, mingle and catch up on old friendships. Mr. Clark, Maureen McTeer, and other family members moved amongst many friends and admirers. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also dropped in to wish Mr. Clark a personal congratulations and thank you for his service to Canada.

The reception was followed by opening ceremonies with co-hosts the Hon. Lisa Raitt and Marc Roy. The crowd was stirred by a marvellous rendition of Oh Canada by Ottawa’s own Braiden Wyman and then Ms. Raitt and Mr. Roy introduced the Fireside Chat.

Catherine Clark, one of Canada’s most talented communications professionals, and former Prime Minister Clark engaged in a back and forth that highlighted many of his achievements over the years. Mr. Clark also provided a passionate call for Canada and Canadians to listen to each other. His comment that in today’s world it seems that “everyone wants to be heard, but no one wants to hear” rang true with many in attendance. Mr. Clark implored those present to take up the task of making both Canada and the world a better place.

Mr. Clark and Catherine were thanked by Lester Pearson’s grandson, Michael Pearson, who was able to strike exactly the right tone in echoing the appreciation that the audience felt towards Mr. Clark.

It was a wonderful evening all round… and topped off with a dessert that featured a birthday cake for Joe …and a singing of happy birthday, as Mr. Clark approaches his next milestone on June 5th.

Catherine Clark and Mr. Clark provided the audience with an in-depth discussion of the former Prime Minister’s years of service to Canadians.

Mr. Clark encouraged those in attendance to always engage in the effort to make Canada an even better place to live.

The event was co-hosted by Marc Roy and the Hon. Lisa Raitt who kept the audience informed and the evening on track from start to finish!

Prime Minister Trudeau dropped in to offer his own personal congratulations to Mr. Clark and they shared a laugh with the Chair of the Pearson Centre, Dr. Karen Mock.

Lisa Raitt enjoyed the opportunity to say hello to both Mr. Clark and his amazing partner, Maureen McTeer.

(Photos by J-M Carisse Photography)