The duty asked five first-time candidates who made the leap into politics, which sparked their interest in public affairs. With one candidate per party, they tell us about their doubts and their hopes. Today the liberal Christina Eyangos.

Until recently, politics had never seemed like a viable option, at least not to me. This is proof that you should never say never!

It’s been 12 years since my family and I dropped our bags in Quebec, Montreal to be precise, one summer evening. Although I speak French, upon arrival I was struck by my Quebecois accent, which made me doubt my own language. A transition of doubts and worries followed. It was confusing for me, coming from Cameroon and speaking French as my first language. How many times have I got confused when apologizing to customs officials who I asked to repeat certain snippets of the questions they asked me? My family and I quickly understood that our first challenge would be to understand our new compatriots… and to make ourselves understood to them.

In addition to these unforeseen language challenges, my integration process in Quebec was marked by several moments of confusion and questioning. I remember as if it were yesterday the question I was asked during my first semester at CEGEP, less than six months after my arrival in Canada: “Do you identify as Quebecer or as Canadian? Without understanding anything, I was thus introduced to the very political climate of identity that prevails in Quebec.

The integration of my parents was much more difficult, especially for my mother. Unfortunately, after twenty years of working in the judiciary, she had to reorient herself professionally because her diplomas and her 20 years of experience are not recognized in Quebec. She worked here as a clerk in customer service and as a beneficiary supervisor. Having cared for her mother herself before her death, she fully understands the importance of her current work and cares for the seniors at CHSLD, where she has worked whole-heartedly for the past decade.

Ambitions for Quebec

My integration process is fraught with difficulties, just like that of immigrants who choose Quebec as their country of welcome. On the other hand, I quickly immersed myself in Quebec culture, encountering it in the four corners of the province of Belle. This experience kindled a flame in me, that of mutual help. From that moment I multiplied my social commitment to improve the quality of life of my fellow citizens.

During this time, the young Pakistani leader Malala Yousafzai also greatly inspired my career with her courage and dynamism. Most importantly, I realized that through my involvement in politics, I can help make things better in my community. Shortly thereafter, I got closer to the institutional and political through my civic engagement. Gradually, I became interested in the different leaders in the National Assembly and the values ​​of their respective parties.

The course and eloquence of Dominic Anglade particularly touched me. From the moment I met her in person and had the first opportunity to speak to her, I knew I wanted to work with her. She is a friendly, intelligent woman with a great sense of humor.

I cannot hide from you that I have many ambitions for the riding where I run and where I live, Camille-Laurin, but also for Quebec. I want to help restore a more peaceful social climate, improve citizens’ perceptions of elected officials, and put their concerns back at the heart of decision-making.

To pay in advance

I’m a product of immigration, of family reunification. I was welcomed by community organizations and surrounded by Quebec generosity. I speak French, I attended CEGEP and University of Quebec. Here I was blessed with great opportunities and great privileges. There is a saying: “To whom much is given, much is asked. On this point, I received a lot and I am willing to work hard to give something back to the people of Camille-Laurin.

I chose to work as a social worker to give back to others. The love for Quebec, my integration and the intersectionality of my identity give me an enormous privilege to recognize myself in every Quebecer. Many have certainly found themselves in me. My professional and personal experiences have led me to better understand the challenges faced by a large part of the population.

Obviously, I know the dropout, vulnerability, and reality of being a single mom looking for an apartment in Montreal because I’ve experienced it myself. After becoming a mother, I went back to school and did my bachelor’s degree in biology with honors for my community involvement. I believe that the role of the state is to provide the population with equal opportunities and opportunities. Finally, today I present myself to serve this Quebec, but above all my community of Camille-Laurin.

I’m not an anecdote, but a person with a story who hopes to help build Québec today and tomorrow. I wish with all my heart that the citizens of Camille-Laurin would vote for the person who has their best interests at heart. The one by whom their daily challenges are truly considered a priority. The one who can provide real solutions to their real concerns. The one who wants and who can improve their quality of life.

I believe in the full potential of Quebec and my riding. I believe that we must unite around what brings us together, not what divides us. While I know that public service is not only delivered through politics, I believe that politics remains an excellent vehicle to impact our world through more inclusive laws that have a real impact on our daily lives will have.

To see in the video