2nd MPP Placement: Bianca and MPP Peggy Sattler

For my opposition placement, I had the privilege of working in the office of MPP Peggy Sattler, Member for London West. MPP Sattler currently serves as the Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, as well as Chief Opposition Whip. Elected in 2013, she brings extensive experience in post-secondary education, research, and community advocacy to her work at Queen’s Park. Throughout my placement, I had the opportunity to see firsthand the care, preparation, and attention to detail that guides her work.

During my time in the office, I was able to contribute to a wide range of tasks and files. I worked on two Private Members’ Bills, drafted advocacy letters, prepared members’ statements, wrote speaking notes for events and remarks for the House, and pitched questions for Question Period. I conducted policy research on post-secondary education, along with a broad range of topics I had never been exposed to before, which pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to see different sides of many areas of provincial policy. I also had the opportunity to attend receptions and stakeholder meetings, including many with student unions and student advocacy organizations. With my own background in student union leadership, I enjoyed the chance to return to those roots and engage with Opposition Day Motion preparation that directly affected post-secondary students across Ontario.

One of the most memorable parts of this placement was being able to sit in the chamber and watch work I had contributed to come to life! Seeing the connection between research, writing, advocacy, and debate gave me a much deeper understanding of the role an MPP’s office plays in shaping decision-making. 

I also had the opportunity to visit the riding of London West and meet the incredible constituency team, who welcomed me with open arms and supported me throughout the placement. I saw how a well-organized and compassionate office supports constituents not only as case files, but as individuals with real concerns and stories.

I am deeply thankful to MPP Sattler for her mentorship and for showing me what it means to be a thoughtful, thorough, and attentive leader. Her commitment to ensuring that constituents feel genuinely heard is something I will carry with me. I am also incredibly grateful to Michelle, Amanda, Leah, and Ausbeth, for their guidance, patience through all my questions, and trust in me. Michelle, MPP Sattler’s Legislative Assistant, played an especially important role in my placement, always creating opportunities for me to contribute meaningfully to the office’s work. The entire team created an incredible environment that allowed me to grow personally and professionally, and I am very grateful to have learned from such a dedicated office.