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It seems all American — and many Canadian — eyes are on Hillary Clinton as she vies for votes in her campaign to become the next president of the United States, but did you know she has a connection to Halifax, Nova Scotia?
That’s right, the presidential candidate was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) in Halifax in June 1995.
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Clinton, who at the time was first lady of the United States, was in Halifax with her husband, then-president Bill Clinton, who was in the city for the G7.
In a speech to the rest of those in the June 15 ceremony, Clinton highlighted the importance of educating women and girls, among other causes.
“The search for an integrated life is one of the greatest challenges confronting all of us in today’s world, but it seems especially important for women to understand the challenges we face and how best we can deal with them,” Clinton said in her speech.
“That is why the education of girls and women is critical, not only for the individual, but for the larger society.”
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Clinton also remarked about learning the burial site of General Ross, who commanded the British troops during the war of 1812, which was responsible for burning the U.S. president’s house.
In addition, she joked about the charming name given to those who call Halifax home — “Haligonians.”
“I think that is the most remarkable word,” she said. “And I intend do use it many, many times.”
Clinton was awarded the degree in honour for her work on behalf of children and families. Then-MSVU president Elizabeth Parr-Johnson said Thursday that even then, she thinks Clinton had her eyes set on the presidential role.
“I think it was one step in preparing the path to the presidency,” Parr-Johnson said. “In my own mind, although she didn’t say so, that’s where she was going early on.”
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She went on to say she hopes to see Clinton do well in November as she faces off for the White House.
“I think she has the ability, and the vision and the focus and the passion to move the United States in a very positive way,” Parr-Johnson said.
Parr-Johnson said she wouldn’t give Clinton’s contentious opposition, Donald Trump, an honorary degree as he doesn’t possess the sense of justice, equity and honesty she would hope to see in a president of the United States.
Watch Hillary Clinton’s full speech at Mount Saint Vincent University here:
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