The Barker of the House - Legislative Assembly Edition

Humphrey and his guardian spent some quality time getting ready for a special evening, which included a full groom for a very special canine. The result: matching bouffants.

The evening ahead had something to do with one of those books! Guess which one?

Curriculum Reform in Ontario was shortlisted for the 2013 Speaker's Book Award! Humphrey knew this was a huge honor, as many, many fantastic books were nominated, and only 11 made the list.

Humphrey and his guardian made their way south to the Speaker's Book Award reception. Eventually, they arrived at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, a favorite building of theirs located in Queen's Park Circle.

Photo from wikimedia commons

Upon arrival - which involved venturing out into the polar vortex in spite of having just been groomed - they made their way down a grand hall towards the reception area. Though the building is said to be haunted, no spirits appeared present that night. Actually, that statement is misleading - spirits were present in the form of a table of shots (yes, for real!) at the reception that followed in the Speaker's Apartment.

First, the 11 shortlisted authors gathered in a room, where they each received a corsage and were briefed about the ceremony to follow at 6:15. The authors were an impressive lot!

• Charlie Angus, Unlikely Radicals: The Story of the Adams Mine Dump War (BTL Books)
• Harry Barrett, Port Dover's Nursing Sisters of World War I (Who-Did-It-Club)
• Arlene Chan, The Chinese in Toronto from 1878 (Dundurn Press)
• M. Jane Fairburn, Along the Shore: Rediscovering Toronto's Waterfront Heritage (ECW Press)
• Edward Keenan, Some Great Idea: Good Neighbourhoods, Crazy Politics and the Invention of Toronto (Coach House Books)
• Peggy Dymond Leavey, Laura Secord (Dundurn Press)
• Roy McMurtry, Memoirs and Reflections (U of T Press)
• Laura Elizabeth Pinto, Curriculum Reform in Ontario: 'Common Sense' Policy Processes and Democratic Possibilities (U of T Press)
• Paul-François Sylvestre, L'Ontario français, quatre siècles d'histoire (French Ontario, Four Centuries of History) (Éditions David)
• David Tsubouchi, Gambatte: Generations of Perseverance and Politics, a Memoir (ECW Press)
• Gerald Tulchinsky, Joe Salsberg: A Life of Commitment (U of T Press)

Then, a rather formal procession led the authors to the reception, where they were seated for the ceremony. Each shortlisted author was called to the stage, where the witty and charming Speaker of the Legislative Assembly presented them with a medal engraved with the authors name on the back.

After each author was recognized, the winner was announced: federal Member of Parliament Charlie Angus. Humphrey was so happy for his success, and was inspired by his remarks about democracy is his acceptance speech.

The fun then began! Photo opportunities! A reception! Humphrey was behind the camera, and managed to snap a few shots (more to come when the official photos are released). And some mildly amusing anecdotes and history that he'll share...

The witty Speaker mentioned he was not fond of serious photos, so he and Humph's Guardian did some "Channel 2 News Team" poses - though Humph was not fast nor steady enough to get good shots of this.


Photo credit for picture below: Ontario Legislative Assembly

A more serious photo with the Speaker and MPP representing Humph's home town of Windsor!

Humphrey was beyond thrilled to meet Sid Noel, whose work he admires immensely. And a former MPP!

The reception began in a space outside of the Speaker's apartment, with a lovely spread of hors d'oeuvres, ceasar shots (what?!), and wine. Humphrey and some others were invited to tour the Speaker's apartment, which, unbeknownst to him, is actually a fully-functioning residence! In the past, Humph visited the Lieutenant Governor's apartment (which is below the Speaker's in Queen's Park), which is simply an entertaining space. They actually have some remarkable aesthetic similarities and are beautiful.

A photo of the Lieutenant Governor's sitting room, which shows the dramatic high ceilings and windows, period architectural details, and general look and feel.

Unfortunately, Humphrey's photos taken in the dim light did not accurately depict its appearance, so he's relying on the official photo above to convey the general feel.

The Speaker himself was generous with his time, offering a personal tour and telling the small group of us who were there about the artwork and history of the building. We learned that the province once had an entire house for the Lieutenant Governor located at Bloor and Yonge! But this was eliminated during austerity measures in the 1930s.

Chorley Park from the air circa 1930

For those with a careful eye, one of the authors channeled Irma La Douce! But Humphrey will leave it to readers to guess who!

Shoes that were matched with equally green tights, Humphrey's very, very favorite colour.

Humphrey also met several other MPPs and had a chance to meet all the authors present. All in all, it was a lovely evening, and one that he will remember!!