To Michael, With Thanks

This note is personal, not political.Most MPs come to Parliament hoping to make a difference on certain files in which they have a key interest.  Yet with such busy agendas, party preferences, committee assignments and diverse opportunities, those initial passions can run thin over time.Over three years ago now, I was newly elected and desired to work directly on four areas that I believed needed attention: 1) child poverty; 2) the environment; 3) women’s issues; and 4) Canada’s role in the world.  I struggled for the first two years as I ended up with assignments on other files.Then some sixteen months ago, newly minted Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff phoned me on a Sunday afternoon and asked if I would take on the role of official opposition Critic for International Cooperation – a role that includes CIDA.  The only direction he offered was that he desired a new CIDA – something that was more dynamic and effective.  I thanked him for the opportunity and got right to work.  These many months later I have to honestly admit that it has kept me in politics and introduced me to hundreds of caring Canadians who believe in the Canadian international influence for compassion.Those assisting me came from all walks of life.  There was Tony Blair, Paul Martin, Joe Clark, Jeffrey Sachs, and numerous development officers from ministries around the world.  An army of non-governmental organizations, sensing a new opportunity for CIDA, pitched in with solid recommendations on how to better deliver Canada’s aid from their perspective as caregivers.  A few key development experts were of great assistance to me in shaping the final policy document.  My staff performed yeoman’s work, learning much themselves about how Canada officially disburses development funds.But it was Ignatieff himself who provided me the solitude and support necessary for a task so vast.  My approach was that CIDA was listing badly to the side, with many critics in the House and Senate.  Yet it has been an historic and, at times, effective Canadian institution that deserved our support.  For that reason I have treaded carefully in Parliament, refusing to publicly criticize an agency that was badly in need of friends.  That was difficult for some of my colleagues to embrace; open and tough statements come part and parcel with a critic’s role. But the Liberal leader understood that I was building for the future, attempting to design an agency that could garner support of all parties.  Effectively, he kept those concerned at bay until the process could be completed. It was leadership by another means and it proved highly effective.When I first informed him that I wanted to work with interested individuals from other parties so as to build a strong consensus within Parliament itself, I watched his eyebrow go up and a certain note of reticence frame his gaze.  “It’s how I work, and I happen to think CIDA is the perfect file from which to build consensus and a more non-partisan approach,” I told him.  A smile lit his face and he encouraged me to do what I have to do to get him the best policy I can.That process ended last week, as the final pieces were all pulled together.  We meet soon to go over the details and determine the way forward.  Personally, I have found Michael’s support to be energizing, and more importantly, trusting.  Helpful in his own formidable insight and understanding, he permitted a struggling MP to work on a file for which he had unbounded passion.Politics is hard enough without such remarkable support.  But when you are provided a gift such as this particular role, your energies come alive and you actually feel the purpose of your calling.  This is just a way for me to express my deep gratitude for not only having been thrown a line, but for permitting me to work on a subject I’ve treasured my entire life.  For all that Michael, thank you – and happy birthday.