The book is in English only, and is an initiative of a publishing house based in Victoria, British Columbia. It's called Get out and vote How you can change Shape the Future. 

"It's a book whose primary mission is to teach young people the importance of getting involved socially and politically to influence their future.  It teaches young people that they need to vote, and how doing so can have an impact on their future and well-being. The book isn't just about me, but there's a sidebar with my photo that talks about me and my election to lead Très-Saint-Rédempteur in Quebec. Now the rest of Canada will discover our beautiful community," she enthuses. 

It was the publishing house that got in touch with the elected representative earlier this year, via her professional e-mail, to suggest she take part in the project. "Personally, I see it as a great opportunity to promote the municipality and my history. It's also a good way of showing that you can get involved even if you're different, and that there's a place for everyone in society. You can get involved if you want to," she adds. 

She goes on to point out that this project also raises the profile of the region. "It's a great showcase for Vaudreuil-Soulanges. My story is a testament to the openness of people in the region and their ability to see and accept change or visions, paths and journeys different from their own in their leaders." 

Will this children's book be translated into French? The mayor says she doesn't know. "We're a smaller market in Quebec than in the rest of the country.It would be less interesting for the publisher to do so.But I do know that several libraries across Canada have indicated their intention to purchase at least one copy." 

A second participation in a book 

For Julie Lemieux, this is her second participation in a literary project.In 2020, she was featured in the book Canadian Women Now and Then, published by Toronto-based Kids Can Press.Aimed at children aged 9 to 12, the book traces the lives of 108 Canadian women who made history in their own way. 

"I don't have any children, so this is my legacy to future generations. It's funny to say, but I'm better known outside Quebec than inside (laughs). No man is a prophet in his own country, as the saying goes," she philosophizes. 

One example is an initiative taken by the Markham Library in Markham, Ontario, near Toronto, last June during Pride month.

" In a speech, they named several personalities, including me. It's always a great honor, and every time it happens, I tell myself that it advances the cause and broadens mentalities." Last spring, the Minister of Women, Gender Equality and Youth, Marci Ien, also mentioned Ms. Lemieux's name during a similar initiative."It's always appreciated." 

Getting involved to inspire 

Through her involvement in artistic projects, Ms. Lemieux aspires to deliver a message."I want young people, and people in general, to understand that it's possible to get involved and make a difference in your community despite our differences. If I can motivate even one person to get involved in municipal, provincial or federal politics, or in any other sphere they think is out of their reach, I can say mission accomplished. No ethnic, sexual, religious, racial or other difference should prevent anyone from getting involved in their community," she confides. 

For her, people who are labeled different by society bring color to their environment. "They reflect today's society, which is diverse, different and varied from what our parents and grandparents knew. " 

While she's happy to be involved in these projects, Ms. Lemieux doesn't let it go to her head. " I'm very humble about it and I don't show off.It's my personal contribution and the legacy I'm going to leave for future generations. "