1st MPP Placements: James & MPP Jamie West

I was fortunate to spend my opposition placement with NDP MPP Jamie West of Sudbury. MPP West is a member of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs. MPP West is also the critic of Labour, Training and Skills Development and Mining, drawing on his past roles as a labor leader and Worker Safety Rep at the Copper Cliff Smelter to inform his management of these two significant portfolios. Through consultations and meetings with union leaders, corporations, academics, and other stakeholders, I gained a deeper understanding of and greater appreciation for the importance of these areas of public policy. One highlight was the passage of MPP West’s PMB Injured Workers’ Day Act which aims to bring awareness to issues of workplace injury and recognize individuals suffering from injuries due to their working conditions.

A highlight from my placement was my constituency visit to Sudbury which provided a unique educational opportunity to learn about challenges and opportunities facing northern Ontario. I want to thank MPP West and his constituency office staff Nicole and Jenny for their hospitality and generosity. One key takeaway from my visit was how issues that are common across the province such as healthcare and transportation can disproportionately impact Sudbury and other northern Ontario communities. I’m also appreciative of the chance to witness the unveiling of a new mural of Indigenous art created by local artist Raven Debassige in MPP West’s office.

It’s truly never a dull moment at Queen’s Park. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to grow. During my placement at MPP West’s legislative office, I engaged with various administrative tasks, legislative research and writing, communications, media relations, and more. I supported stakeholder meetings, drafted speeches, crafted media releases, researched new legislation, created graphics, and attended numerous events and receptions. I was also entrusted with constituency casework which enabled me to correspond directly with constituents, hearing their issues and assisting them in accessing government services.

I am incredibly grateful for working with MPP West and his team including Jessie Shrimpton, Nicole Ayotte, and Jenny Fortin. Thank you for your continuous mentorship and support during my placement. You were so generous in providing me with opportunities to learn more about our political system and our beautiful province. I will always look back fondly at my time working with you all.