1st MPP Placements: Alex & MPP Mike Schreiner

For my Opposition placement, I had the honour of being placed with MPP Mike Schreiner, representative for Guelph and leader of the Green Party of Ontario (GPO). I had an unforgettable time in MPP Schreiner’s office with the opportunity to work on a variety of tasks that touched on many pressing issues. I also had the pleasure of working with MPP Aislinn Clancy, member for Kitchener Centre and the second person to be elected to the Ontario legislature as a member of the GPO. There were many highlights working for this ‘caucus of two’, such as attending the Rural Ontario Municipality Association Conference, the Fall Economic Statement, and being present for countless media scrums and stakeholder meetings.

November and December were a busy time in MPP Schreiner’s office with lots of government bills being introduced in the house. I helped his office by writing bill briefings and performing media and policy scans regarding upcoming legislation. I also accompanied MPP Schreiner and MPP Clancy to media scrums, stakeholder meetings, and speaking events outside of Queen’s Park. Towards the end of my placement, I had the opportunity to perform background research for a Private Members’ Bill that MPP Schreiner might introduce in a future session.

One of my favourite aspects of the placement was visiting Guelph throughout January to work in the constituency office. Working alongside Lisa and Olivia, I had the opportunity to respond to constituent inquiries, perform case work, attend stakeholder meetings, and monitor the inbox to keep track of the main issues in the community. I learned a lot about the wonderful city of Guelph and how an MPP represents their constituents both at home and at Queen’s Park.

I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to MPP Schreiner’s and MPP Clancy’s legislative staff, including Sam, Ran, Cecilia, Stacey, James, and Darren. I am also very grateful to Lisa, Olivia, Candice, Shelley, and Emily from the constituency office, who showed me around the riding and trusted me to work on interesting case work. Finally, I want to thank MPP Schreiner and MPP Clancy for having me in their offices and allowing me to learn from you both. It was an experience I will never forget.