The mood in St. Andrews was one of jubilation and a bit of disbelief after the recent three-day working visit by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his full cabinet. "We were singled out for a unique opportunity for the world to see us," says St. Andrews Mayor Stan Choptiany of the January 17 to 19 meeting. "That's as big as it gets." He adds, "It was a wonderful experience and so positive to have the new government coming here."
     "It was a fantastic opportunity for St. Andrews," echoes local businessman Jay Remer. "The prime minister and his cabinet saw firsthand what this part of the world looks like."
     Both men were very impressed, not only with the prime minister's ability to connect with everyone, but the sheer number of people whose hand he shook or how many he hugged. "Justin is very approachable," says Choptiany. "And when you're talking to him, he focuses his attention on you as if you're the only person in the world."
     Remer describes the prime minister as "a real gentleman" and noticed that when Trudeau arrived at the Algonquin Resort for the start of the work session, "it only took him two minutes to get from the car to the hotel, but he shook hands with 200 people on the way."
     "They put in 10- to 12-hour days, and there was some very pivotal strategic planning going on," say Mayor Choptiany of the cabinet ministers. "We'd let them do their thing, but they were also very accessible while they were here, and people appreciated that. It was very exciting to have them in St. Andrews."
     "The mood of the town in having all those Liberals around was a positive one, and it was a very energizing visit," notes Remer. "There were no incidents. Everything went flawlessly."

“A wonderful community event”
     At what Choptiany described as "a wonderful community event," a crowd estimated at 400 people waited in the cold on Monday evening to get inside the W.C. O'Neill Arena Complex for a spaghetti dinner and an opportunity to meet, greet and perhaps hug the prime minister.
     Young and old alike, from a newborn baby carried in a car seat to a nonagenarian wheeled in a wheelchair, had turned out at the arena to see the prime minister, and when he entered the building through the front door at 6:45 p.m., he stopped several times to pose for selfies with young people.
     "What most people don't know is that he spent 10 to 15 minutes with the kids at hockey practice before he got upstairs to the supper," reveals Mayor Choptiany. "That wasn't on the agenda, and he really surprised them. You could tell he was having a good time."
     While it may have been all business for Trudeau and his Liberal cabinet at their retreat at the Algonquin Resort, the prime minister had changed into jeans and a dress shirt with collar unbuttoned and sleeves rolled up for the arena and had no problem kicking back with the crowd there.
     He extended genuine warmth, including hugs, to each person who greeted him. His smile was contagious and his positive energy lit up the room. Trudeau did give a little extra time and attention to four older military veterans sitting at the end of a long table. Upon entering the room, Prime Minister Trudeau walked straight to the highly decorated veterans representing the Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force, the Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and hugged each one, taking the time to talk with the men for several minutes and giving them his full attention.
     "He focused on veterans and children and didn't miss one," reports Remer of the prime minister's appearance. "They will never forget this, and that's what makes it a huge success."
     Trudeau then introduced his cabinet members and thanked each one before announcing he would rather meet as many people as he could instead of talking. After ending his speech with "Merci beaucoup tout le monde," the prime minister jumped off the dais into the waiting crowd.
     The prime minister's penchant for wading into crowds is presenting some problems for the RCMP and others charged to protect him. "I tell you, it is not an easy job," said one security guard in St. Andrews, and another officer said candidly, "He [Justin] so much wants to be with the people that sometimes he runs away and hides on us."
     Whatever challenges his staff has with the prime minister and no matter what opposition he faces as he attempts to set his country on a stronger economic path, Trudeau won the hearts of many people during his visit to St. Andrews.
Cabinet discusses agenda
     The cabinet met in New Brunswick as part of the Liberal government's ongoing efforts to show Canadians from all regions of the country that their needs and aspirations are being listened to. The decision may also have been influenced by the fact that the province rewarded the Liberals with all 10 seats in the October federal election, as the party swept every seat in Atlantic Canada. Even the Conservative stronghold of Southwest New Brunswick was picked up by the Liberals, with Karen Ludwig of St. Andrews defeating John Williamson.
     Ministers discussed further plans to create jobs, strengthen the middle class and grow an economy that works for all Canadians, while the prime minister shared his plans for positive change across the nation, with an emphasis on innovation, openness and collaboration.
      In announcing the cabinet visit only a few days before it would begin, Trudeau stressed, "It is a great pleasure to hold this year's first cabinet meeting in St. Andrews by‑the‑Sea. With its rich and storied history, New Brunswick has a unique culture that is at the center of our Canadian identity. I have been fortunate enough to visit New Brunswick many times throughout my life. To the citizens of this great province, I say: We recognize how important you are to the future of Canada and we will work together to bring about real and positive change for you and your families."
     Some of the notable accomplishments in the government's first few months of office include: the welcoming of thousands of Syrian refugees, the proposal of a tax cut to strengthen the middle class, the launch of consultations to inform the design of the inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, a successful first ministers' meeting, reestablishing Canada's presence at the international level, reinstatement of the mandatory long‑form census, the public release for the first time of all ministerial mandate letters and a historic investment in global climate change action.
     New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant addressed the federal cabinet in St. Andrews, telling members about his province's priorities with regard to jobs and economic prosperity, as well as discussing ideas on how to work together to recognize opportunities and overcome challenges.
     "This visit to St. Andrews clearly shows that the federal government cares about all regions of this country," stressed Gallant. "I also believe that it shows that Government House Leader Dominic LeBlanc is working hard for New Brunswick in Ottawa.
     "It is also evident that this government knows that New Brunswick and Charlotte County are beautiful areas that are filled with great people. Having hundreds of people flock to Charlotte County during the winter will be great for the economy, the Algonquin Resort, the local restaurants and shops," added Gallant.
(Susan Coopersmith contributed to this article.)