The Canadian Constituion Act
- Story and painting by
Mona Youssef
- visit Mona’s website
See Canadian Constitution Act
“While I was working as a graphic artist for a company in Toronto 1982, I was
also recognized as a Fine artist. Having produced several oil paintings for the
owner’s son who was a member of the House of Commons and who loved my
painting’s style, he selected me among many other artists, to produce an oil
painting of “The Canadian Constitution Act”. I was flown to Ottawa the day
before Her majesty the Queen of England arrived to the Parliament Hill.
Because I was granted an official permission to take photographs while the
stage had been prepared in front of the Parliament. Next day, Sunday, I was
there again to watch the complete event of her honor the Queen Elizabeth II’s
Arrival and the signing of the Canadian Constitution Acts. My task was to
photograph the total occasion in order to create an oil painting of this very
special occasion in Canada’s history.
Back to my home in Toronto, I started working on the painting size about
32" x 46" and was given only 21 days to finish it. I had my baby who was less
than one year old. So, he only received the very necessary needs then sat
him with his toys happily, well fed and clean. My son David was listening to
music while I was painting day and night. No wonder why he is a great DJ
today and an excellent piano player.
The time came for the painting to be picked up and get framed. It was
heartbreak for me seeing it departing me. Shortly after though, I was invited to
the surprise party that had been arranged for Mr. Pierre E. Trudeau to receive
the painting, but I was too shy to accept the invitation.
Years went by, and I always wished to have a quality photograph of the
painting to replace the one I had taken with my humble camera back then.
Even though at times, I thought that would be merely, a dream but always
believed that great things start with a simple dream. I decided to move back to
Ottawa and wanted to visit the National Art Gallery of Ontario before my
move. In the gallery, I was following the tour guide who had other tourists to
explain to them this and that. From my responses on her comments, on some
of the paintings in the gallery, She said to me “You have good observations for
arts” I replied “I am a fine artist” She asked for my name. Upon hearing it, she
repeated it after me several times and said “Mona Youssef! It rings the bell!!!”
After posing and thinking, I learned from her that my name was in the Toronto
Star news paper in an article about the organized party when my painting was
presented to Mr. P. E. Trudeau. Upon hearing that, I became very delighted
and excited! This had motivated me even more, to follow me wish to get a
better photograph of my painting, but how and when!? It was still a wish! Once
in a while I had asked some friends of how I could contact Mr. P. E. Trudeau,
and only I was laughed at and heard comments such as “He is too busy to
care for this, he is too arrogant to give attention to your request, etc.”
However, my inner feelings and perception of Mr. Trudeau’s character were
completely different. I have always believed, in my heart, that he was a very
keen, intelligent and extremely knowledgeable person, although may appear
arrogant, yet inward, he had the soft human feelings and the deep
appreciation for spiritual matters and for arts.
I moved to Ottawa, worked here and there and the idea was still growing
in my mind. One day, in December, 1999, I decided to do it myself. I went
through the phonebook and started calling several numbers in the Parliament
Hill in Ottawa. As usual, one person transferred me to the other and I had to
introduce myself to each one of them explaining why I was calling. Finally, I
was given the phone number of Mr. Trudeau’s office!. Let me be frank, I
needed several deep breath and had to write down what I wanted to say, can
you tell how nervous and excited I was! Here is my first call. ” Hello, Mr.
Trudeau, my name is Mona Youssef, ...........” He replied “My name is Trudeau
but not the one you are looking for. I purchased this office from Mr. P. E.
Trudeau and my name happened to be the same.” I asked “Would you know,
by any chance his phone number or where I could contact him?” he kindly
provide me with the necessary information.
There, when my call needed extra deep breath for the second
introduction. “Hello, my name is Mona Youssef........... “ In reply, the Secretary
said that she would get back to me after consulting with Mr. Trudeau. Yes,
finally, I contacted the real P. E. T.
In a few minutes, I answered the phone and it was his secretary giving
me an appointment in two days to visit Mr. Trudeau’s house in order to take
the photographs I wish!! She also, had given me the name of a person who
would be waiting and open the door for me and directs me to the painting! I
needed someone to hold me still before I faint! The many years wish is
coming through! My husband and I took the new camera and drove to
Montreal. The door was opened for us and there was my painting capturing it
after 18 years. I felt like hugging it but acted as normal as ad official possible.
The painting looked so vibrant in colors as if was done yesterday. We took it
to the balcony and got several shoots. The day light was just perfect for
photographing it. Gerry took us for a tour in the house and told me how much
Mr. Trudeau was proud and loved this painting that he always hangs it here on
this front stairs wall, so when his guests come up or down these stairs, they
would see it right in front of them. Garry also told me that Mr. P. E.T. had given
his will to give away most of the paintings in his house to charities except few
ones of which among them, my painting.! I was so touched, impressed, felt
great and honored to be able to add something valuable to someone’s life that
was great already! I also, felt that everything in his house carried such
profound feelings in it! Just seeing the size of Mr. Trudeau’s library was
overwhelming.
As we were leaving gratefully, Mr. Gerry Wall told me to pass by Mr.
Trudeau’s office to receive a letter from him. He explained the address to get
there. The secretary received us and gave me the letter. I asked her if it was
possible to meet with Mr. Trudeau, she replied”He has a client right now in his
office that it would take a while plus he just came back from Germany, so by
the time he finishes, I am sure he will be exhausted, we could have made
arrangements if you asked prior to your visit”
I left back to Ottawa, feeling overjoyed but still wondering, did I actually
make it? Was I really in Mr. Trudeau’s house? Do I finally have a good photo
of my painting, in my camera now, after 18 years! Did I truly, have a letter from
Mr. Trudeau thanking me for the beautiful painting that he was so proud of to
hang on his wall? It all seemed to me a sweet dream!.
Yes, my perception of Mr. Trudeau’s Character were true. He was
completely the opposite of what some people thought of him negatively!
In 2000, I was deeply grieved when we all lost Mr. P. E. Trudeau in death.
I found myself writing poem in English. It was only in Arabic that I used to
write poem, long time ago, and the following is what I wrote in English:
The Red flower was standing firm in its rout to provoke
Storms, Winds and Hardships, could not, before it floats
It kept on growing in passion, zeal and strength of thoughts
Vitality, powerful image with tender feelings, influenced all
Among weeds surrounded, The Red Flower, loudly, spoke
To reason, listen, challenge, incite and make dreams float
To The Road of Patrician, its blossoms glowed came forth
To lighten the dark field to a garden like, for us, you fought
Black, White, Yellow admired you with their hearts and souls
Your beautiful lively colors & brightness will never fade at all
Now, you are resting, until the day you come back, adorned
Stand, among us, with all colors in a garden, you’ll be adored
May the crystal dew drops tenderly water you and revive our hope
The hope of resurrection through Jesus will bring you to the world
John: 5:28-29
Written by ©Mona Youssef,
See full documents of:
The Canadian Constitution Act in (English)
See The Canadian Constitution Act in (French)
Visit Mona's website to see more details of her work from her gallery:
click here
Thank you Mona Youssef for your artwork, story and contribution to Canadian
Culture.
Smile eh! We are Canadian.
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