In August 2024, content creator and chef Émilie Cuizine met former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Black Women’s International Expo, where he discovered her signature Caribbean marinades, and found his favorite in the fiery “Chillips.”
On August 14, 2024, Montreal-based culinary creator Émilie Cuizine shared a video that quickly captured social media attention. The clip showed her proudly presenting her cookbook Le Goût des Caraïbes (The Taste of the Caribbean) to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who stopped by her booth at the Salon International de la Femme Noire (SIFN), a major event celebrating Black women entrepreneurs and creators.
In her post, Émilie expressed how deeply meaningful it was to share her culinary heritage with the country’s leader. “It was a real honor to welcome Justin Trudeau to my booth and to see him taste my marinades and hot sauces,” she wrote. “His favorite? Chillips, the spiciest one, and also mine!”
“Chillips”: The marinade that won over Justin Trudeau
Among Émilie’s vibrant line of products, CHILLIPS Marinade stands out as a burst of flavor and color, perfectly balanced between tangy and spicy. Designed for all types of meat and fish, it embodies the tropical and authentic notes that define Caribbean cuisine.
Ingredients include:
Red peppers • Parsley • Garlic • Canola oil • Red onions • Red habanero peppers • Salt • Vinegar • Lemon juice • Spices • Ginger • Granulated garlic • Turmeric
The product’s versatility and long shelf life have made it a household favorite:
- Shelf life: Up to 2 years unopened at room temperature.
- After opening: Keep refrigerated and use within 30 days for best freshness.
For Justin Trudeau, Chillips was love at first bite, a perfect symbol of how cultural diversity and culinary creativity continue to shape Canada’s social fabric.
Celebrating representation through flavor
More than just a simple meeting, this encounter between Émilie Cuizine and Justin Trudeau represents the growing recognition of Black creators and entrepreneurs across Canada. By combining her passion for cooking with her strong sense of identity, Émilie has built a community that celebrates diversity, entrepreneurship, and the richness of Caribbean gastronomy.
Her appearance at the SIFN marked another milestone in her journey, one that continues to inspire creators across Quebec and beyond.
