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On the Job with John A.
Innisfil Scope
July 13, 2011
by Peter Van Loan, MP, York-Simcoe
Through the better years of minority
Parliament, the threat of an imminent
election has shaped my life. The threat of
confidence votes meant the Whip kept
everyone in Ottawa whenever the House of
Commons was sitting. At other times,
official Ministerial travel kept at a high
pace – and the rest of the time meant
visiting as many local community events as
possible.
With the arrival of a majority Parliament I
have the chance to change this a bit – and
make a bit of room for my family. This is no
doubt that the families of politicians are
those who sacrifice the most. The stability
of a majority Parliament creates the
opportunity to correct this. With my son
John A. approaching his second birthday,
this is especially important.
Last week I started - and finished –
building an outdoor play structure for John
at our farm. That was a nice idea before.
Now, it became a reality.
The family has also had the chance to spend
time together in Ottawa- another novelty.
Mom and Caroline were thrilled to be able to
participate in a farewell ceremony with me
for “Will and Kate” – The Duke and Duchess
of Cambridge – at the Ottawa Airport, as
both had risen in the wee hours to watch the
Royal Wedding. For 10 year old Caroline, the
chance to present a “posey” – a Royal
bouquet – to Catherine, will no doubt be a
lifelong memory.
The next day (a Sunday) we went to the
Museum of Civilization and the Children’s
Museum across the river from the Parliament
Buildings. It’s a measure of the strange
nature of our, lives that after my seven
years in Ottawa, it was our first family
visit to the museum. John could have played
in the Children’s Museum all day. But there
was still some work. I paused to speak with
York-Simcoe constituents who were up in
Ottawa to visit the same museum.
This week, we are trying the challenge of
including the family in a visit through
Canada’s north. It means adopting a bit
slower pace. But it has been enjoyable.
In Iqaluit, Nunavut, I’ve had the
opportunity to meet with local business and
community leaders, and to meet with the
Premier, MLAs, the Mayor and other local
officials. I’ve participated in Nunavut Day
observances and the commissioning of a
fisheries research vessel.
But the family has been included too. They
participated in Nunavut Day celebrations,
too – including watching a traditional Inuit
seal-skinning competition. It’s all an eye
opener for young children from the south.
The chance to hike on the tundra, and watch
bow-whales have been thrilling for the kids
(and adults too!).
With children there are always stories.
Daddy was hiking ahead with little John A.,
as he picked flowers to give to his mother.
We passed several ponds of ice-melt, a great
temptation for a 2 year old boy. But the
firm grip of a father kept John under
control.
We found a suitable spot to lean over the
ponds on our bellies, and splash hands. That
should be enough, I thought. Satisfied, John
started walking back to retrieve the flowers
for Mom. I followed, about three steps
behind. Too far, it turned out – as John
bolted and literally dove head first into
the water. I raced in after him, retrieving
him. But John A. was now soaked through a
parka, a sweater and two more layers. John
A. spent the rest of the day in an
improvised outfit, while I shivered and was
chilled to the bone in my soaked jeans and
running shoes the rest of the day.
The North is blessed with giant mosquitoes.
Just like at home, they love me – and I
don’t react well to them. The same is the
case for John A. As I write, a mosquito bite
on his eyelid has puffed up and the eye is
virtually closed. He looks like a pirate!
These episodes are the trial and
tribulations of ordinary families – most
they cope with everyday. For me, the chance
to now live through these challenges is a
refreshing, simple pleasure, that was only
to rare before. It is a change for the
better.
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