For my government placement, I am working with MPP Vijay Thanigasalam who represents Scarborough—Rouge Park. MPP Thanigasalam was elected in 2018 and his election made him one of the first Tamil-Canadians elected to public office. MPP Thanigasalam is an enthusiastic parliamentarian and currently serves as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Infrastructure as well as a member of the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure, and Cultural Policy. Throughout my placement, I have been inspired by MPP Thanigasalam and his passion for public service which was particularly spurred after immigrating to Canada as a refugee from Sri Lanka at the age of 14. In his role as a member, MPP Thanigasalam is community oriented and I have been able to assist with his work through correspondence, scheduling, briefings, and supporting our community outreach events. One highlight was assisting the coordination of school visits for Tamil Genocide Education Week, a law passed through a Private Member’s Bill in 2021. '
Thank you to MPP Thanigasalam, Saranja, Kevin, and Tas for welcoming me to the team—I have learned many lessons through serving the constituency of Scarborough—Rouge Park!