Dear fellow constituents,
I’m writing this message as the federal political scene debates the principles of judicial independence, opposing interpretations of the concept of ministerial solidarity, alleged or perceived “pressures” … essentially, a host of questions that have also provoked in me long hours of reflection. I could write rivers about my views on these issues, but it would only serve as one more opinion. Not one of my fellow citizens would benefit from it in anyway!
All this excessive media coverage obscures the immense work done by the Government of Canada for almost four years. That’s why I chose instead to present to you the positive, concrete, but often unknown – and almost always ignored by the media – aspects of this job that stimulates and excites me more and more.
Inspired by a simple gesture, but authentic in its intention: citizens who express their gratitude for the support offered by my team. A couple came to visit the office recently to thank Stav and Hamza for having accompanied them through the process of sponsorship, and for the follow-up made by my office during the processing of the application. We were all touched by this gesture and happy to meet the newly arrived wife!
This story is one of many that illustrate the small and great victories of the entire team, in that it represents a real impact on the daily lives of our fellow citizens! This side of parliamentary work, non-partisan and in high demand, is generally little known. Whether it is help with the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security and / or the Guaranteed Income Supplement; follow-ups for Employment Insurance benefits, the Canada Child Benefit, notices for applications to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency, or ideas and innovative projects that need a boost to materialise, each file allows us to meet many individuals, families and businesses, all with a distinct background, a story of their own, and another opportunity to make the federal government relevant to citizens.
Although this work may be seriously demanding in emotional terms and / or time-consuming, it is always rewarding. Every day, every file, every family redefines the notion of what it means to truly serve, reaffirming for me this commitment to my fellow citizens, in the quest for a better future for all of us. While this will never make headlines, the fact remains that our work is important precisely because what we do is FOR the people who have put their trust in us.
You can follow my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AlexandraMendesLiberal2015) or my website (http://amendes.liberal.ca) in order to keep up with our work as well as upcoming events!
Yours truly,
Alexandra