THUNDER BAY – It’s been two weeks since Judith Monteith-Farrell was elected to Queen’s Park to represent Thunder Bay-Atikokan for the NDP.
Not yet sworn in, the rookie politician has already fielded plenty of phone calls from constituents looking for assistance, and has been busy setting up her constituency office on George Street, which she expects will open for business on Aug. 1.
It’s slow going, for now, she said.
“We just got access to the other office,” Monteith-Farrell said on Friday of the transition period, after she edged long-time Liberal MPP Bill Mauro by 81 votes in the June 7 election, having swooped into the race late to fill in for an ailing John Rafferty. Rafferty had originally won the nomination, but stepped aside, citing health concerns.
“Mr. Mauro had to be out by yesterday. On Monday I get to pick up the key to get the assets of the government, the computers, etc. to start the set-up process, security, telephones, those sorts of things.”
Monteith-Farrell said it took about a day for the reality of her career change to sink in, adding she’s anxious to buckle down and get to work for the people of her riding.
There remains a possibility that Premier-elect Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservatives will recall the legislature for a rare summer session, which the region’s newest politician says is fine with her.
“I’d welcome a summer session to get to work,” she said. “It’s a good way to get to know things. It would be short, because I don’t think (the PCs) want to be there that long.
“What we’re also doing is having a swearing-in ceremony in process on the 17th of July, with our caucus. We may, if (Ford) calls us in earlier, have to be sworn in earlier.”
Monteith-Farrell said she’s met with her caucus and other first-time MPPs, who were taught the basics of Queen’s Park in a recent session.
Though she’s not yet officially an MPP, the work really has already began, she said.
“It’s also getting to know the institution. I went to a board meeting for the hospital. I’ve met with the university president. I’ve met with different groups that have business interests. They were asking to meet with me, so I’m looking forward to getting that overview and what are the burning issues for them.”
