1ST MPP Placement: Keana and MPP Chris Glover

This fall, I had the opportunity to work with MPP Chris Glover, the NDP representative for the great riding of Spadina-Fort York, and Critic for for Democratic Reform, Technology, and Sport. Chris has been an MPP since 2018, but before then, he was largely involved in community affairs in his hometown of Oshawa and Toronto, ranging from serving as a TDSB Trustee to teaching at local high schools and universities, and organizing community movements. He’s studied extensively in the education field, and this background and his concern as a parent is what led him to elected politics. He has a top-notch team at both Queen’s Park and the constituency office: the amazing Sam, Alesha, Maureen, Nancy, Kaia, Avery, Janice, Karen, Benna, Priya, and many more amazing volunteers.

During my time in his office, Chris and his team gave me the opportunity to experience all aspects of an MPP’s work. I got to hone my skills in research, writing and media production while creating scripts and content for his social platforms and House speeches. One of the most exciting periods was the lead up to Chris’s Private Member Bill, the Commissioner of Democratic Rights Act. Beyond just writing, I learned the bill creation process entails a deep level of mobilization, from organizing stakeholders, organizing a press conference, creating a guest list, crafting messaging to share with media, arranging a reception, and keeping the momentum going with follow-up events to engage the community. Seeing the public’s engagement with a bill on democratic rights helped me regain the hope that indeed, there are so many people out there that care about democratic processes- even if they don’t always agree! I also got to dip my toes in technology (which I didn’t know a lot about, and now do), and sports (which I already love, and was so happy to engage with), creating a multifaceted learning opportunity.

With their office being not too far away (some may argue, in the center of the universe), I spent a lot of time in constituency office, learning the ropes at what it takes to balance the line of non-partisanship with creating meaningful change for community members. The CO staff taught me about effective communication and resource management with vulnerable populations, the ins and outs of running a successful event, and all the behind-the-scenes work that keeps their office running. Being in the riding allowed me to truly observe how high-level policy decisions manifest in the lives of Torontonians, and especially how differently one small decision can influence the lives of so many people.

I am incredibly grateful to MPP Glover and his office for welcoming me with open arms and teaching me what it means to be a positive leader in the world of politics and community engagement. I truly hope one day to be able to make the sort of deep, lasting impact they do on their communities in just one day throughout my future career. Thank you Team Glover!