Since being sworn into office, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made international news, but his charismatic wife made her own headlines in 2016.
CTVNews.ca takes a look back at some of Sophie Gregoire Trudeau’s most memorable and controversial moments.
January 18, 2016
Speaking at an event for Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Ottawa, Gregoire Trudeau gave the audience a special surprise when she broke into song. Inspired by some of the performers at the event, Gregoire Trudeau sang ‘Smile Back at Me’ -- a song she wrote for her daughter, Ella-Grace.
Her impromptu performance also prompted remixes, including in dubstep, smooth jazz and hip hop.
March 10, 2016
When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was honoured with a state dinner at the White House, it was a first look at the budding relationship between Gregoire Trudeau and U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama. Gregoire Trudeau and Obama teamed up to highlight the importance of education among women and girls at an event held at the U.S. Institute for Peace. Gregoire Trudeau told the audience that “Canada truly understands that girls and women who have access to a safe and high-quality education is a priority.”
May 12, 2016
Gregoire Trudeau received some backlash over her request for additional staffing. Speaking with a Quebec newspaper, Gregoire Trudeau told Le Soleil that she needs a team to help her serve people.
June 4, 2016
Canadians got another chance to see Gregoire Trudeau showing off her singing chops when she broke into another song at the Parliamentary Press Gallery dinner. However, singing wasn’t the only talent she shared that evening -- her yoga skills were also front and centre.
Aug. 17, 2016
A Tofino, B.C. artist who spent an entire night painting a portrait of the PM’s wife in a yoga pose was thrilled to find out the couple not only bought the portrait, but also posed with it during a visit to the area.
Oct. 11, 2016
To mark the International Day of the Girl, Gregoire Trudeau rang the bell to open the start of trading at the Toronto Stock Exchange, promoting the importance of girls having equal opportunities to boys.
She was surrounded by a group of young girls and representatives from organizations working to end gender inequality, promoting girls’ rights and education.
Gregoire Trudeau also used International Day of the Girl to launch her Facebook and Instagram accounts. Actress Emma Watson shared a picture of her and Gregoire Trudeau on her Instagram as a welcome post.
Nov. 16, 2016
Known for empowering women through her work with Plan Canada’s 'I Am a Girl' initiative, Gregoire Trudeau brought a similar message with her to Cuba. Speaking at San Geronimo University in Havana, she stressed the importance of raising children in a culture that “celebrates men and women with the same equal rights, freedoms and respect.”
Throughout 2016, Sophie’s style and wardrobe made headlines as she shined a spotlight on Canadian designers, including Lucian Matis, Jason Wu and Tanya Taylor to name a few.
