I have learned so much while working with MPP John Vanthof, who represents the northern riding of Timiskaming-Cochrane, and I am grateful to have been so warmly welcomed by his team at the constituency offices!
MPP Vanthof is a Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition, the Critic for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Commissioner of the Board of Internal Economy, Chair of the Standing Committee on Government Agencies, and Member of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. Working with MPP Vanthof has helped me better understand legislative processes, and I have especially enjoyed learning about his Critic Portfolio because of my interest in Ontario’s agri-food sector. It has also been interesting to see how MPP Vanthof relates his prior experiences as a dairy farmer and community organizer to his work at Queen’s Park and I appreciate learning from his unique perspective.
Although I have spent most of the past few months working remotely due to COVID-19, I have been able to gain a much greater understanding of the policy challenges and opportunities facing Northern Ontario. This placement has helped me understand the diversity and complexity of our province and I am so glad to have had the opportunity!