1st MPP Placement: Kewan and MPP Tyler Watt

This fall, I had the privilege of working with Tyler Watt, MPP for Nepean and member of the Ontario Liberal Party. Elected in 2025, MPP Watt quickly established himself as a strong advocate for healthcare and education. He serves as the critic for Long-Term Care, Colleges and Universities, and as second Vice-Chair on the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure, and Cultural Policy. His commitment to public service is deeply rooted in his professional background. Having trained and worked as a registered nurse (RN), he witnessed firsthand the systemic challenges caused by underfunding and resource shortages in Ontario’s healthcare system. These experiences shaped his legislative priorities and continue to inform his approach to policy.

What sets MPP Watt apart is his ongoing work as an RN in Nepean hospitals. Balancing clinical shifts with legislative duties allows him to remain connected to frontline realities and the voices of healthcare workers and patients. This dual perspective strengthens his advocacy for reforms that address staffing shortages, improve patient care, and ensure sustainable funding for long-term care facilities. His ability to bridge policy and practice is a rare asset in provincial politics.

During my time in his office, I contributed to a range of projects central to his critic portfolio. These included preparing for Question Period, working on his private member’s bill set for 2026, drafting speeches for stakeholder events, and conducting financial analysis of ministerial reports to produce briefing notes for committee discussions. Coming from a U.S. policy background, particularly in health, this experience was invaluable in deepening my understanding of Ontario’s political landscape and highlighting the distinct differences between healthcare challenges in Ontario and the United States, such as the role of provincial jurisdiction, funding models, and the emphasis on universal access.

Visiting the Nepean constituency office allowed me to see the rapid growth around Barrhaven firsthand, including new housing developments and expanding community hubs, which helped contextualize many of the concerns raised by residents. Speaking with constituents gave me insight into local priorities such as family healthcare access and the need for continued support for newcomers. Seeing how the office triages these issues day‑to‑day deepened my understanding of how provincial policy translates into tangible impacts for Nepean families.

My time in MPP Watt’s office exceeded expectations. From day one, he placed trust in my abilities, allowing me to take ownership of projects while providing guidance when needed. I am grateful to Nick for his mentorship and confidence in my work, and to Sam, Ante, and Jordan from the constituency office for sharing their expertise in addressing local issues. Finally, I extend my sincere thanks to MPP Watt for welcoming an OLIP intern during his first year in office. This experience offered invaluable exposure to Canadian politics and the effort required to drive meaningful change.