Monday, March 24, 2008

DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE: Dr. Alika Fontaine wins Canada’s Next Great PM

Dr. Alika Lafontaine can add the title Canada’s Next Great Prime Minister to his already long list of accolades. Lafontaine, an anesthesiologist resident from Saskatchewan, won CBC’s prime time TV contest.

Just 25, he’s already a past winner of an Aboriginal Achievement Award, a Canada Youth Award a University of Saskatchewan Medical Bursary, a Rotary Club Service Award and a Sherwood Cooperative Service Award. He also plays piano and has earned a first-degree black belt in tae kwon do.

Lafontaine, a newlywed who works at Saskatoon’s Royal University Hospital, won with a reported 58.3 percent of the audience vote. Taking the title also earned him $50,000 in prize money and a six-month scholarship provided by contest founder Frank Stronach’s Magna International Inc., The Dominion Institute and the Fulbright Program.

All the contestants performed well before the esteemed judges and cameras, but Lafontaine’s passion and sincerity were evident as talked about the need for change and inclusion of Canada’s aboriginal population. His platform was uniquely and passionately expressed. A key part of it: His suggestion that Canada break new ground by establishing a third legislative branch, one that would represent Canada’s First Nations.

The man has a future, and maybe Canada’s is looking up as well. Well done, doc.

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