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The
Tourists Take Over
Innisfil Enterprise
August 1, 2007
By Peter Van Loan, MP, York-Simcoe
In summer, most of the politicians have left
Ottawa to work in the ridings. Many of the
bureaucrats have left on vacation too. The
tourists, however, descend in large numbers.
Although the House of Commons is not
sitting, I have been up to Ottawa several
times this summer.. And when I go up, as I
did this week for a series of Cabinet
meetings, I am struck by how many tourists
are visiting Parliament Hill.
I believe the summer months are even busier
than June, when so many of the school groups
come through.
Although I was only in Ottawa over three
days this week, my staff filled the time
between Cabinet business with meetings..
Everything from future legislative plans, to
communications issues on my Democratic
Reform Minister responsbilities was the
subject of working sessions.
But I still found time to give personal
tours to some visiting constituents who
dropped by my office. I know how exciting my
first visit to Parliament Hill was when I
was 12 - so I try to make an effort to give
some time to visiting constituents, and make
their visit more meaningful. (Besides, the
painfully non-partisan apolitical tours
offered by the House of Commons are almost
reduced to architectural tours out of fear
of offending anyone with interesting
political facts!)
Then I had some truly important tourists
drop by - my brother and his family! It was
their first chance to see the rather grand
office of the Government House Leader. The
two nephews even got an opportunity to sit
in Uncle Peter's desk in the House of
Commons Chamber. The youngest (aged 5) even
did a passable impression of an MP in debate
(although few would be flattered by his
interpretation).
My office is located beside the foyer of the
Chamber. When the House is sitting, it is a
no-go zone for the public (the media are in
control in this space).
But in summer, the public comes down - in
big numbers. Everytime I go in or out the
door, a group of 35 or so tourists turn
their heads hoping to see a real live
Parliamentarian, Many are disappointed that
it's just me, But some keeners recognize the
Government House Leader and point me out or
even call out my name. One tour group even
came racing over as if they were on a
safari, and someone finally spotted the
elephants.
Some staff and politicians grumble about the
tourists. But I love them. It says something
that, even in an age where politicians are
held in low regard, the institution of
Parliament means something so important to
so many Canadians. The complaining aside,
their institutions of freedom and democracy
matter - and they want to see it, feel it,
and share that with their children
On Monday night, I did about an hour's work
on letters in my office after our meetings
ended. Then, at about 10;45pm, I headed out
the doors under the Peace Tower.
There was a light show underway. They
project lights and images on the Parliament
Buildings accompanied by music and narration
about Canada. I at first was amused to see
so many gathered on the lawn for this
"attraction",
But as I walked towards Wellington Street, I
paused, and turned around to see what it was
all about. Like so many people everywhere,
when you live or work somewhere, you often
ignore the "tourist" opportunities around
you. This was an example.
But my initial cynicism faded away. Sure the
show was a bit hoaky, filled with well-worn
cliche, and a touch melodramatic. But you
know what? We need more of that in Canada.
To remind us to be proud. To refresh our
sense of identity. To restore our faith in
the best country in the world.
To restore our faith in Canada. That's why
so many Canadians make the pilgrimage to
Ottawa.
They believe in their country. They want to
believe in the men and women who they hope
will do their best to make Canada a better
place.
It's a big responsibility we carry as
Parliamentarians. The tourists who pay their
visits are delivering a daily reminder of
that to us.
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