THUNDER BAY -- Thunder Bay's newly elected MPs are tying up loose ends before starting their new jobs.
Patty Hajdu was at Shelter House Wednesday, her official last day there as executive director. The Liberal MP elect for Thunder Bay-Superior North said she'll stick around unpaid to help transition staff while the board begins its search for her replacement.
"I look forward to supporting them in any way that they need," she said.
The organization grew under Hajdu to include its alcohol management program and Street Outreach Services. While Hajdu's proud of those programs and the staff hired under her leadership, she's disappointed that the organization still needs help to meet needs in the community that are growing every day.
"My regret is still that we're operating with such a shortage of funds," she said.
But she's hoping to continue that work in Ottawa. With the Liberals putting a focus on social infrastructure, Hajdu wants to see an affordable housing priority help address the city's needs.
"We know communities can't thrive unless people have a place to stay," she said.
"I will be focused on how can we best build up communities to create even happier and healthier citizens and so I know that sounds really broad and it is really broad, which is why I chose federal politics. It's really where most of the decisions lie that effect those foundational pieces that determine whether someone going to thrive or not."
For Liberal Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP elect Don Rusnak, winding down his law practice has been a process since he became a nominee. While still dismantling is campaign headquarters, Rusnak said he's already been in contact with outgoing MP John Rafferty's office to get to work on constituency files.
He's also been getting calls from mayors and chiefs in the area looking to set up meetings to outline priorities. He's looking forward to those meetings so he can take issues to Parliament Hill.
"It's not what I want. I'm the advocate. I'm their voice in Ottawa," he said.
While both would like to be in cabinet positions, Hajdu and Rusnak say they're ready to take on whatever role Justin Trudeau has for them. Rusnak said he's never been a sitting member of Parliament and needs to learn the ropes first.
"Right now I think the Liberal party has an amazingly strong team," Rusnak said.
