In her piece, she notes that her home, which isn’t too far from the Prime Minister’s official residence at 24 Sussex Drive, has received a heritage designation because its first owners. It was built in the early 1900s and although not a beautiful looking home, the red brick dwelling is supposedly a good example of Edwardian Classicism.
Its first owner, Ms. May writes, is the reason for the heritage designation. It was home to Lawrence J. Burpee, who served as private secretary to three justice ministers and was the first secretary to the International Joint Commssision in 1912.
“I couldn’t be happier that the house will be protected,” wrote Ms. May, who moved bought the home when her daughter, now 19, was 2 years old. But she’s selling it now so she can focus on her bid for a seat in Parliament representing a riding in British Columbia.
Meanwhile, Ms. May was making even more news this weekend with the signing of former Montreal Canadiens enforcer Georges Laraque as her deputy leader. It is an unlikely combination, but one she hopes will benefit the party in Quebec.
“I hope he can break through some voter disgust with politics and help us reverse the anti-voting trend, particularly among young people,” Ms. May told The Globe on Tuesday morning, adding that she approached Mr. Laraque about the deputy leader role, which he is taking on as a volunteer.
Initially recruited to join the party last winter by Quebec member Sameer Muldeen, who serves in Ms. May’s shadow cabinet for animal welfare issues, the hockey player became a political star quickly, appearing at a major fundraiser in Vancouver with playwright John Gray and writer William Deverell.
“The more I talked with him, the more impressed I was with his sincerity,” Ms. May said.
As to her own fate as leader, she says: "Bring it on." Ms. May faces a possible challenge from Sylvie Lemieux, a retired army lieutenant-colonel.
"Sylvie is a great candidate for us and a strong individual," Ms. May said, arguing there is no official race yet.
She notes that a race would mean more media attention and as a result, new members. Costs are a factor against having a race right now, she adds, as is the fact that it distracts from a potential election.
Green Party members are voting now on changing the timing of leadership reviews from a fixed term to mandatory leadership reviews after every election. Ms. May is abstaining from the discussion.
