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Back in Ottawa
Innisfil Enterprise
July 11, 2007
By Peter Van Loan, MP, York-Simcoe
In theory, summer is the time for MP's to be
back in their ridings, getting caught up on
constituent concerns (and dealing with
long-neglected household chores at home).
One exception to this rule is the Cabinet
Minister who must run the Department, and so
must spend time in the National Capital,
with the tourists who dominate Parliament
Hill in the summer. But the Government House
Leader is supposed to be able to exchange
massive overwork when the House is sitting,
for a more leisurely pace when the House is
out.
So far, I'm not finding it actually works
exactly that way. I find I am heading up to
Ottawa almost every week for government
business.
Last week, I was in the Capital to host a
farewell luncheon for the departing Latvian
Ambassador. During his tenure, we had worked
closely, and successfully to strengthen
Latvian-Canadian relations. The highlight
was a state visit to Canada last year by
Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga - who
spent most of her life in Canada as a
refugee from communism, until Latvia
regained its independence.
The luncheon was at the Rideau Hall guest
house - my first time in that building. It
was a success. We only hope that the
relationship between our two countries will
continue to strengthen.
I also took time that day to get caught up
on business from the office. Finally, I took
in the American Ambassador's -Independence
Day Picnic at the Ambassador's residence. A
major event on the Ottawa political circuit,
it was my first time attending, as I am
usually in the riding. While the rain made
it a soggy affair, the feel was fun and
typically, unpretentious and proud, brash
Americana.
Today, I am back in Ottawa. This time, the
Prime Minister has asked me to be there for
the visit of the King of Jordan.
Later this month I will have Cabinet
Committee and Cabinet meetings in Ottawa.
So, the opportunity to decompress and relax
back home is real, but it is not unlimited.
I await the next phone call summoning me
back to steamy summery Ottawa, to do my
duty.
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