For my first placement, I have been working with Progressive Conservative MPP David Piccini of Northumberland-Peterborough South. MPP Piccini and his team have been hard at work this fall making constituents and community stakeholders aware of the changes introduced in the 2020-2021 budget proposal and the ways that these policies will benefit them. I have been part of these community outreach meetings and have had the chance to get to know more about the economic makeup of MPP Piccini’s riding. Part of my work in this area has been focused on helping stakeholders access supports related to economic losses incurred during COVID-19.
In order to make sure that everyone has access to the support they need, I directly communicate with constituents at meetings and indirectly assist them by updating the COVID support website where interested individuals and businesses can learn more about the government’s ongoing response to the pandemic.
I am also helping to write the annual report for constituents which helps to keep them informed of all the work the MPP’s office accomplished this year. Through this project in particular, I have gained an appreciation for how much work one MPP’s office is responsible for. It has given me pause for thought as I read through the office’s various projects and proposals and consider how many citizens' lives are impacted by the policy choices elected officials make in a single year. I want to thank MPP Piccini as well as his team members, specifically Paige, Mateline and Bonnie, for integrating me into their work. They’ve made me feel like one of the team even while I work from home. I am really looking forward to our next few months together.