A “Break” Week

March 14, 2007

Growing up just south of Fort St. John my parents tried their best to instil in me some of the guiding principles they believed would help me later in life.

The "Golden Rule" ... "do unto others as you would have them do unto you", was first and foremost. A real challenge in the adversarial world of politics!

"Life is about choices. Try your best to make wise ones, but when you choose wrong, hopefully it won't be a life-altering choice". That one I truly took to heart, and I’ve preached it to my three now adult children since they were toddlers!

"Lead by example" ... this too is a goal I've aspired to uphold that often impacts upon the "choices" rule. Especially lately.

As Chief Government Whip during this current minority Parliament, one of my primary responsibilities is to ensure the attendance of my Conservative colleagues when the House of Commons is in session. The need to "lead by example" has never been greater. If I expect all my colleagues to be in Ottawa as much as possible, then obviously I must be as well.

Given the physical distance of our constituency from Ottawa, I don't get back nearly as often as I would otherwise choose. This is why I doubly appreciate that so many constituents are not only understanding, but go so far out of their way to accommodate my schedule.

After this gruelling five-week Parliamentary session I was determined to touch base with as many communities and local representatives as possible prior to next week's budget.

I began my week-long tour on March 4th by flying into Prince George and driving to McBride for a Sunday evening gathering of a dozen constituents in the home of Ron and Sharon Hawkins. This was followed the next day by a breakfast discussion with constituents, a lively meeting with Mayor and Council, and an opportunity to speak and interact at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

Back to Prince George to overnight that evening and then up to Mackenzie early the next morning.

In addition to stops at the Mackenzie District office, speaking at a special Chamber of Commerce luncheon and doing a lengthy CHMM radio interview, I was invited to an unprecedented meeting of mill managers and senior staff from Abitibi, Pope and Talbot and Canfor. Our two-hour conversation explored their escalating challenge of recruitment and retention of skilled labour, and possible solutions.

After a slower-than-usual trip through the Pine Pass, I had another busy day of meetings in Chetwynd. Finally home to Fort St. John for the night, but down to Dawson Creek to exchange views with Regional District Directors on Thursday, topped off with a Friday spent meeting with constituents in my FSJ office.

1250 kilometres. So much for what is commonly known as a "break week" for MPs. However, I wish to reiterate the deep appreciation I expressed throughout my travels.

Although my "choice" would be to spend much more time at home in the riding, without the willingness of so many of you to adapt your schedules and meeting times to coincide with my limited availability, I wouldn't be able to stay in touch with the needs of our riding nearly as well ..... THANK YOU.