Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's wife, Sophie, on Kennedy comparisons, breastfeeding and life in the spotlight
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau is the wife of Canada’s newly elected prime minister, but don’t call her “first lady.”
“There is no actual title,” she told Yahoo Global News Anchor Katie Couric during a revealing interview held in Toronto.
“We could be a little more progressive,” she said, “but please call me Sophie.”
The prime minister’s wife is known throughout Canada for her career as a television reporter. Her husband, Justin Trudeau, is the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. This week, the couple will make an official visit to the White House and attend a state dinner.
The 40-year-old told Couric that, despite the couple’s celebrity status, her daily life is filled mostly with taking care of their three young children. She is also focused on bringing attention to issues facing women and girls.
“We still face social injustice, violence. We are denied most basic rights because we are women, and to me that is completely unacceptable,” she said.
She is particularly passionate about self-esteem and body-image issues.
“I came out years ago saying I suffered from eating disorders. Eating disorders are like any other compulsion or mental illness,” she told Couric.
“I had to use my voice to make a difference,” she went on to say.
Grégoire Trudeau also commented on a recent magazine article in which she revealed she still breastfeeds her 2- year-old son.
“I think it’s a woman’s choice. I breastfed my three babies. I also gave them formula,” she said. “I think it’s a beautiful bond, and I encourage it, but I don’t judge.”
Prime Minister Trudeau, 44, has come under fire from critics who have accused him of being too young and inexperienced to lead the country. But his wife sees it differently.
“He’s not a ‘yes’ man. He likes to be surrounded by people who challenge him in his views.”
Trudeau is the leader of Canada’s Liberal Party and has made women’s issues, gay rights and immigration central agenda items for his administration. He made international news when he welcomed a group of Syrian refugees to his nation, greeting them at the airport and distributing coats.
Grégoire Trudeau was careful not to comment on policy, U.S. politics or the current presidential election, but offered her thoughts on heated rhetoric in general when asked about GOP frontrunner Donald Trump.
“I think we need to remember that in a country like ours and a country like [the U.S.], diversity is the richness. It makes us who we are. We must foster relationships that really promote openness and acceptance.”
As for the prospect of a woman in the White House, Grégoire Trudeau would not directly comment on Hillary Clinton, but said, “The thought of having a woman president anywhere in this world is amazing. It’s happening. The more we get women involved in the political process, the more we will foster greater democracy.”
