Sophie Grégoire Trudeau should 'absolutely' have resources for her work, PM says PM's wife has been vocal advocate for women's rights, raising awareness for eating disorders

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he is supportive of his wife's public persona, and she should "absolutely" have the resources she needs to continue the work she does.

The prime minister said Wednesday in his final press conference of the parliamentary sitting that her work is not for the benefit of the Liberal Party, or his government, but for all Canadians.

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"I'm very proud of everything she's done throughout the country. She will continue to offer her participation and not just be there for the government but for all Canadians and we want to make sure that she will continue to do the work that she does," he said in French.

Asked what the role should be for the wife of the prime minister, Trudeau said not all spouses have to fit the same mould and there should be no formal expectations. "There are various different families that have different abilities so this obviously should be flexible. A person should be able to choose how they serve," he added.

Sophie Grégoire Trudeau has been a vocal advocate for women's rights and has sought to raise awareness for eating disorders.

In addition to attending official events and travelling on international trips with the prime minister, Grégoire Trudeau is the official spokesperson of Fillactive, a foundation that provides opportunities for girls between the ages of 12 to 17 to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle. She is also the honorary chair of the National Arts Centre Gala.

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, right, speaks with Japanese Empress Michiko during a visit to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo May 24, 2016. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)

"She promotes many other causes through public appearances, keynote speeches and media opportunities," Olivier Duchesneau, a PMO spokesperson, said in an e-mail to CBC News.

Grégoire Trudeau recently faced some criticism after telling a Quebec newspaper that she needs more staff to support her efforts.

She has one executive assistant in her employ and she regularly receives help from staff in the Prime Minister's Office to fulfil her duties and responsibilities on an ad hoc basis, Duchesneau said.

"We are continuing to look at new ways to make sure she is supported at the official events she attends, as well as making sure that correspondence from Canadians across the country is triaged and answered in a timely manner," he said.

http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/politics/sophie-gregoire-trudeau-resources-work-1.3647790

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