By Andrew Perez

Before I had even set foot in Greg Rickford’s office, the rookie MP had already begun planning a most-ambitious adventure to his Kenora constituency, located in northwestern Ontario.  Having worked for several years as a nurse on isolated First Nations reserves in the riding, Mr. Rickford was anxious to share his passion for the region and its people. And boy, did he deliver!
 
My trip was kicked-off with a six-hour Bearskin Airlines flight from Ottawa to Kenora, with six major stops in between.   The flight was truly an adventure in itself and enabled me to see much of northern Ontario in one afternoon.  Upon arriving in Kenora, Mr. Rickford treated me to an invaluable experience that I will cherish for years to come.
 
Mr. Rickford and I spent the first three days in the Kenora region of the constituency, before driving north to the town of Red Lake and then on to several isolated First Nations communities. While in Kenora, I was given the opportunity to meet Gary Goodyear, the Minister of State for Science and Technology, who was in town to announce funding for a new research project benefiting northern Ontario and First Nations communities. I also helped organize and run an all-day passport clinic, sat in on several key meetings with First Nations and forestry officials, and visited Wabigoon First Nation – a reserve located near the town of Dryden.
 
The last two days of my visit were astounding in so many regards.  In the town of Red Lake, Mr, Rickford and I met with the Mayor and Council to discuss key infrastructure projects in the community.  I was immediately struck by the warmth and hospitality of northern Ontarians; their willingness to work with anyone and everyone for the betterment of their region was admirable. Political partisanship was remarkably absent.
 
On my final day, I flew with Mr. Rickford in a three-seat Cessna aircraft to three isolated First Nation Reserves – North Spirit Lake, Poplar Hill, and Pikangikum First Nations.  Although I had spent six weeks working with Mr. Rickford on the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, nothing could prepare me for what I was about to witness.
 
I was both distressed and encouraged by what I saw.  On the one hand, I witnessed communities plagued by poverty and living conditions unimaginable to most Canadians.  And yet, on the other hand there was a relentless Member of Parliament working to build consensus, deliver practical results, and most importantly, inspire a sense of hope in these long-overlooked communities. From reserve to reserve, Mr. Rickford met with dozens of Band officials, building on friendships and forging new ones.  I was continually reminded of the importance personal relationships play in a Member of Parliament’s role.
 
Back on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, I look back on my experience with great fondness.  While there is no doubt that I’m distraught from much of what I saw, I find myself left with a renewed sense of optimism on the pivotal role a Member of Parliament can foster in his or her constituency.   Finally, I feel better prepared – albeit in my own small way – to tackle the ongoing policy challenges facing northern communities.