Embrace-an-Orphanage gala gets who’s who

The inaugural Embrace-an-Orphanage gala at the Canadian Museum of Civilization had a who’s who of Ottawa’s political scene—pretty impressive for a first time event.

Laureen Harper greets Winnipeg Tory MP Steven Fletcher.

She chats with NDP leader Jack Layton.

…and U.S. ambassador David Wilkins.

Laureen, with Harvey Slack, Executive Director of the Canadiana Fund, and former Liberal senator, Laurier LaPierre (right).

The gala was co-chaired by Conservative Party whip Jay Hill and former Liberal deputy PM Sheila Copps.

Copps chats with Laureen.

Here is Hill with his wife, Leah Murray, and below with Defense Minister Peter MacKay.

Murray had a fabulous pink dress…

…and the best shoes of the night.

Sheila Copps told Capital Diary she is trying to get a book project off the ground with LaPierre about the history of gays and lesbians in Canada.

Liberal MP Mark Eyking’s daughter, Mieka Eyking, with her fiancée, Christian Iturralde, an NDP supporter.

“Do you think I am paying for that wedding?” joked Mark Eyking (right). But he has hope, since it’s easier to get them from the left to the centre. If they start off right, he says, it’s usually a lost cause.

Layton schmoozes with Mieka Eyking and Christian Iturralde.

The keynote speaker was children’s activist Craig Kielburger shown here with NDP leader Jack Layton.

…and with Sheila Copps

…and with Leah Murray, wife of Tory Party whip Jay Hill.

Josh McJannett of Summa Strategies Canada. Summa was one of the Gala’s sponsors.

The entertainment included drummers.