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Queen's Park
What does an MPP do?
Every MPP performs three main roles.
1. Serving their constituency - represents their views and helping them deal with the vast bureaucracy of government
- meets with constituents and attends local events
2. Working as a lawmaker at Queen's Park
- holds the government to account through questions in Question Period
- debates legislation in the house and committees
- introduces private member's bills and resolutions to promote policy ideas and effect change presents petitions from constituents on important issues
3. Promoting their party and its ideas
- This is the political role of the MPP: promoting a political party, fundraising and campaigning
- this job has to be kept separate from the those functions paid for by the taxpayer
For more information, just google your favourite political party!
Two specific roles I hold at Queen's Park:
Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Estimates
Since 2009, I have served as Vice-Chair of this important committee. Most of the other committees are chaired by a member of the governing party, but an opposition member chairs the Standing Committee on Estimates since it holds the government to account. Its chief role is to review the Estimates (expected expenses) of between 6-12 ministries and offices over the course of the legislative session. This committee ensures that the government and its ministries are spending the taxpayer's money wisely and that a standard of value for money is maintained or improved. When I am in the chair I must remain impartial, ensuring all voices are heard and that the committee operated in a timely and effective manner.
To find out more about the committee and its work:
http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/committee-proceedings/committees_detail.do?locale=en&ID=143
Official Opposition & PC Critic for Apprenticeships and Training
Each opposition party appoints critics who 'shadow' particular government ministers and ministries. Critics lead the opposition response in debate to bills within their portfolios and over time become experts in that particular ministry. As critic for Apprenticeships and Training, I place a particular interest in the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities; I follow related issues in the media and meet with stakeholders and citizens who have concerns or suggestions about this ministry and their work. Frequently, I question the government in the house in regards to the short-comings and occassional failings of the ministry. As Critic of Apprenticeships and Training, I also assist in preparing policy suggestions for the PC Party in regards to changes and improvments to this ministry. As critics, MPPs work with Ontarians from across the province to ensure that no issue of importance is ignored by the government of the day.
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