It's Day 93 which means I have seven more days of writing on my move to Ottawa. I've been asked to continue writing past the 100 day mark so I'll see what I can do. It's been a great process of waiting and excitement, frustration and joy. When I first had the idea to document this process I thought I would just take some pictures and videos, and talk about Sparks Street, Parliament Hill and the other sites I've seen.
It quickly evolved into an outlet to document the complete process, including the ups and downs, joys and frustrations. My goal has been to document the process so that you would be inspired to take your own step of faith.
Interning on the Hill
This week I officially started interning on the Hill as a Legislative Assistant, which combines policy and communications- my two passions. As I wrote earlier, I was downtown when I got the call for the interview so I couldn't get dressed up. I ended up going to the interview in my jeans, running shoes and baseball cap. When I got to the front desk I mentioned to security that I had an interview with a particular Member of Parliament. You should've seen the looks I got from some people in the lobby. I was coming to an interview dressed like that? The interview was a success and I ended up starting the next day (Day 90). So far I've started some policy research, accompanied my boss to committee, and attended some trainings and conferences. A lot of work in a few days.
Black in a "Non-Black" World
When my wife first started on the Hill she mentioned being the only black person in a lot of settings, and how it led to some insecurity, asking, "Do I really belong here?" Now that I'm on the Hill I see what she means. I sat in a training with 30 people where I was the only person of colour period. I then went to a conference with 300 people where there were only three black people in the room, two being my wife and I. After a while I started asking the question my wife asked a few weeks before, "Do I really belong here?" In an environment where there aren't many "visual minorities" (I hate that word) let alone black people, it's hard to not feel a little out of place some times. This week I thought to myself, "This must've been what Barack Obama went through."
Being in a minority group provides its advantages. I don't feel the sense of entitlement that other people may feel. My family doesn't have a political heritage like other people I've met. My ancestors weren't greaat scholars. My great-grandfather wasn't a politician. My family worked hard and made a life for themselves. This reminds me that I'm not entitled to work on the Hill, or anywhere; it's a privilege.
Do Politicians make too much money? The View from the Inside
Now that I'm on the inside I want to say something very important. It's something that everyone says when they start working on the Hill. "Politicians don't make ENOUGH money for the work they do." People always comment on how much politicians make and think they don't do anything. That's a big misconception!
Imagine a life where you spend Sunday evening to Thursday evening, some times even Friday evening, away from your family and only get two days a week at home. The days you are home you spend in your constituency talking to people and attending events because the people keep you employed. You end up working six to seven days per week. Worse of all the people that keep you employed use you as a dumping ground, or toilet, for their frustrations in life, and the people that think you're doing a good job rarely express it. If you think your MP, MPP or City Councillor is doing a good job let them know. It matters to them.
Lastly, the loyalty that you have to have for your party as a Member of Parliament is amazing. Both the governing party and the Opposition have a Whip who's in charge of discipline and order among their caucus. Every week an MP has to submit their schedule for the week to the Whip; emphasis on "submit". The Whip tells you where you have to go and at what time. If you planned to be in your constituency on any given weekend but your party needs you in Ottawa, the Whip can tell you to stay in Ottawa and you have to listen. Your time is not your own! I know of an MP who had to attend a funeral for a boy they knew in their constituency, but because the party needed them at a very vital time, the Whip said he couldn't go home. In essence, he couldn't go to the funeral. Members of Parliament experience great pressure from all sides- family, constituents, party and media. This is what it means to be a Public Servant; your time belongs to the country, both the people and your party, and a lot of time your family suffers.
Staff Conference/Networking Reception
Over the past few days I attended a staff conference and networking reception. I wasn't scheduled to attend the conference since the registration date had passed before I started, but on my first day of work I had this desire in my heart to go. I was thinking that maybe I should call my supervisor to see if anyone had cancelled. Five minutes later my supervisor called and said that I would be going to the conference; she couldn't attend. Coincidence? I think not. The conference was amazing! A lot of my co-workers wished they'd received this training when they first started. I was fortunate to receive this training right off the bat.
I learned so many technical skills and gained more of a conviction on why I support the party I support. We heard from Min. Jason Kenney, Minister of Multiculturalism, Citizenship and Immigration and was shocked that this caucasian man from Alberta has such a heart for ethnic communities, and that he is actively reaching out to all cultural groups right now. If you're an ethnic group you've never been in a better position to been heard by the Government.
The reception, held at the Hard Rock Cafe, gave us a chance to meet many of our co-workers. It was interesting to meet other people who picked and left where they were to move to Ottawa. After this week it hit me that no matter what party or person we work for we are ALL co-workers; we all work for Parliament, the people and the country. Canada has a rich political heritage that we should all be proud of; we're all standing on the shoulders of those who've gone before us. I encourage you to learn more about your government. It's amazing to see how many people could care less about politics. How could people be making decisions about your life and you not know about it? Be informed, Canada! Have a great weekend.
Kevin Bourne
Entrepreneur. Minister. Administrator.
www.businesschurchpolitics.ca
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