Dear Diary: Rookie MPPs Share Thoughts on Their First Month(s) in Office As It Happened
When parliamentarians are asked to think back about their first few days or weeks on the job, frequently they’ll describe it as being mostly a blur. There is so much to learn, so many people to meet, so much information to absorb, and so much to do; often, only a few special moments stand out. But getting a sense of what these early days are like would undoubtedly be helpful for politicians who hope to follow in their footsteps and want to know what to expect. The Canadian Parliamentary Review asked two newly elected Members of Provincial Parliament in Ontario to keep a record of their first 30 days after election night on February 27, 2025, in which they would briefly note what was happening and how they were feeling. Prior to publishing these notes, the MPPs were also asked if they wanted to add information on other notable days that occurred in the interim, and to offer any thoughts about what they’ve learned as they found their footing in the Assembly.