1st MPP Placement: Bianca and MPP Monica Ciriello

For my government placement, I had the privilege of working in the office of MPP Monica Ciriello, Member for Hamilton Mountain and Parliamentary Assistant to the Ministry of the Attorney General. MPP Ciriello brings extensive experience in law and municipal public service to her role, and her work reflects a strong commitment to justice policy and to the constituents she serves.

At Queen’s Park, I was immersed in the day-to-day work of a fast-paced legislative office. I supported the team by preparing briefing notes on issues related to the Attorney General’s portfolio, conducting research for a Private Member’s Bill, and assisting with materials for conferences and stakeholder meetings. Engaging with stakeholders on a regular basis deepened my understanding of how public policy is shaped not only through legislation, but through ongoing consultation with the communities it affects. I also had the opportunity to observe meetings of the Justice Policy Committee, where MPP Ciriello serves as a member, and to witness the estimates process, gaining insight into how policy decisions are debated, scrutinized, and advanced.

Beyond legislative responsibilities, my time in the Hamilton Mountain constituency office provided invaluable exposure to casework and local advocacy. Alongside MPP Ciriello, I visited local businesses, attended community announcements and events, and engaged directly with constituents. These experiences offered a deeper understanding of the unique priorities and concerns within Hamilton. I observed how the office navigates complex casework, supports residents through government processes, and ensures that local voices are represented at Queen’s Park.

I am sincerely grateful to MPP Ciriello for her mentorship and for supporting OLIP! A defining feature of my placement was observing how she approaches her role: she consistently takes the time to fully hear constituents’ concerns, ensuring that individuals feel respected and understood. Her ability to balance policy expertise with genuine care for her community was truly inspiring.

I am also deeply thankful to Valerie, Vanessa, Prachi, Ornina, and Isaac for welcoming me from my first day and fostering such a supportive learning environment. Their mentorship made it possible for me to contribute to the team while continuing to grow professionally each day.

As I conclude this placement, I carry with me a much deeper appreciation for the complexity of justice policy, the importance of stakeholder consultation, and the critical role constituency offices play in connecting residents to government resources. It has been an incredibly meaningful learning experience that further strengthened my interest in law, public service, and policy development.