On the Road Again in Prince George-Peace River

July 20, 2005

Roughly 3,500 kilometres with hundreds more to go. That’s the distance I’ve traveled so far this summer on my annual tour through our huge constituency of Prince George-Peace River.

They say MPs take the summer off … I’m glad someone forgot to tell me because I would never want to miss an opportunity to travel throughout one of the most spectacular ridings in Canada, meeting with honest, hard-working and engaging constituents. After a grueling marathon session of Parliament, I feel so incredibly fortunate to come home to the “real world”.

My travels began in the North – Pink Mountain, Prophet River, Fort Nelson, Toad River and Muncho Lake – stopping to get feedback from residents. I find the business proprietors along this stretch of the Alaska Highway always provide a good sense of the issues of concern in the area.

Next came a series of meetings in Prince George, including an eye-opening tour of the Prince George Hospice. I have to admit, I had a lot to learn about hospice and palliative care and the valuable contribution this facility makes to the community.

I also had the pleasure of once again sitting down with the Prince George Chamber of Commerce Executive to discuss a wide range of federal issues and local developments relevant to the city’s businesses and industries. I always appreciate these open and productive discussions with the Chamber.

This kind of dynamic dialogue was repeated in McBride as I met with local businesspeople, the town council, media and residents in that beautiful community.

A few days later, I found myself dodging deer in the rain and darkness on the way home after a full day that included meetings with the Dawson Creek city council, their airport manager, and appointments with constituents.

While in Chetwynd that same day, where I presented a certificate of commendation to the District Council for their local windmill project and attended an evening meeting of the Peace Country Tender Beef Co-op, I had a very rewarding moment. Driving through town, I’d noticed a pick-up truck following me. Concerned that I had inadvertently cut the driver off or committed some other offense, I pulled over.

However, it turned out that this constituent had spotted my license plates that read “HILL MP” and as he stuck his hand through the window to shake my hand, he began telling me about my super staff. He said he was made to feel like my constituency assistant’s number one priority when he had difficulty in obtaining a passport in a tight timeframe and she managed to expedite its delivery.

Yet another great encounter with a constituent … all because of a license plate.

By the time this week is over, I will have continued my journeys through Taylor, Hudson’s Hope and Tumbler Ridge covering a vast array of issues and touching base with dozens of constituents, local representatives and businesspeople … the kind of people I’m always proud to represent, and work for.

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