1st MPP Placement: Giulia and MPP Jamie West

For my opposition placement, I had the privilege of working in the office of MPP Jamie West. As the representative for Sudbury, MPP West is the NDP Critic for Labour, as well as the Critic for Energy and Mines. MPP West also serves as the Deputy Whip for the Official Opposition. Elected in 2018, MPP West has an extensive background in the fields of mental health, construction, mining, and workplace safety. A member of USW Local 6500, MPP West has experience in labour relations, and is a staunch advocate for northern communities in Ontario. One of the most rewarding aspects of working in MPP West’s office was getting to experience the diversity of portfolios his office is responsible for, and gaining a real understanding of areas of provincial politics I am interested in.

During this placement, I had the opportunity to engage in numerous projects, from pitching questions and researching private member’s bills, to writing remarks, briefing notes, and engaging with constituents and stakeholders. Each aspect of my work in this office was profoundly different, but had a through line of supporting community members in Sudbury and the work of MPP West’s critic files, which often crossed over with one another. I had a particular interest in learning more about MPP West’s critic files, and had the opportunity to research issues related to labour, mining, and energy. I also had the opportunity to gain insight from MPP West on labour and mining, and I was greatly appreciative of this because of his experiences in both of these fields. I appreciate greatly MPP West’s willingness to discuss his portfolios with me and make my placement as enriching as possible.

In January of 2026, I had the opportunity to visit Sudbury. There, I visited the local YMCA, College Boreal (an all-French college), the Sudbury Superstack, the Big Nickel, and Copper Cliff. My visit also included a very in-depth tour of Craig Mine in Onaping, Ontario, operated by Glencore. The opportunity to visit a working mine was such a singular experience, as I was able to venture roughly 2.5 kilometers underground to learn more about mining operations. Through my constituency visit, I learned so much about Sudbury's community life, Northern issues, the thriving Franco-Ontarian community in Northern Ontario, and the realities of MPP West's portfolios of mining.

It was so amazing to work in such an excellent office, and explore a region of Ontario that is more rural as a life-long urban dweller. The office was so willing to allow me to learn and grow, and I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to engage in such exciting work. I would like to thank Jessie for her mentorship and trust in me, especially her receptiveness to answer my questions. I would also like to thank the constituency staff – Jenny, Tina, and Nicole – for allowing me to learn more about the riding and engage with constituents. Finally, a massive thank you to MPP West for supporting OLIP, being so welcoming to me during my placement and allowing me to explore my interests, especially those related to his portfolio, through my work in his office.