Target three things you want to achieve for your riding, and three things you want to achieve for the country. And make sure all your work in committees and in Parliament is focused on moving to achieve those objectives.
By Sheila Copps
First published in The Hill Times on June 9, 2025.
OTTAWA—First day on the Hill. For most Members of Parliament, it is even more exciting than your first day at school.
But there are many parallels.
You are a newbie in a world that you don’t completely understand. You may even be in a new city for the first time.
Not all MPs have even stepped foot in Ottawa before being elected.
Your first visit brings shivers up the spine. I still remember my first day on the Hill.
I walked from an apartment I had sublet a few streets away from Centre Block.
When I arrived at the foot of the Hill, I stood in front of the Centennial Flame and looked up to the Peace Tower in awe.
I could see my Centre Block office from there and I spent a moment just marvelling that I would be working in this place.
That first day for me was followed by 21 years. But the first day was the most innocent, the most frightening, and also the most uplifting.
Fright and hope seem to be contradictory.
Every Member of Parliament starts off wanting to do good for their riding and their country. They are also a little scared about whether they will fit in to this huge institution, with thousands of employees in the bureaucracy and literally more than 300 other colleagues in the House of Commons.
These days, members are onboarded, with information and a few hours of guidance about what to expect as an MP.
But none of what is in the documents or briefings can prepare you for how to use your time wisely. In most instances, you are coming to Parliament with no previous experience and very little direction.
In the current Parliament, because the same party was re-elected to government, there is an opportunity for mentorship among the members.
It is even tougher for new ministers, because even though former ministers may still be in caucus, they might be fairly upset about being dropped from cabinet. So they are not the most likely to step in and help new colleagues.
Other caucus members are hoping that if someone in cabinet does not perform well, they will be in line as a replacement. So they are not necessarily rooting for ministers either.
I had lunch in the Parliamentary Dining Room with an MP last week.
It was my first time in the new venue, even though it opened in 2019.
It was great to see some of the same staff still serving more than 20 years since I left Parliament. They came over to say hello, and it felt like “old home week.”
The food was much better than I remember, but the site was smaller, as it is only designed to house parliamentarians while Centre Block is under renovation.
I saw some senior members, former ministers meeting with staff and colleagues. And I also observed some young new members, their brand new shiny parliamentary pins giving away their brief tenure as elected members.
All were smiling, and enjoying this first real week of work as the business of the House of Commons began in earnest.
Some will make their mark, and others will fade into the background. At one point, the average shelf life of a Member of Parliament was six years, so they have to work quickly to achieve their goals in politics.
If I were to offer some free advice, it is a political mantra that has passed the test of time. KISS, or keep it simple, stupid. That is not to say voters are stupid, but the message of politics must be understood by people.
Target three things you want to achieve for your riding, and three things you want to achieve for the country.
And make sure all your work in committees and in Parliament is focused on moving to achieve those objectives.
Enlist allies, and not just in your own party. Be good to the bureaucracy. They can help you achieve your objectives or they can make your life miserable.
Work your committees. Committees are one place where you can make your mark on policy, and make an impression on your team. It is also the best place to get local issues brought to the forefront.
As for Question Period, that is full-throttle theatre. And you should treat it accordingly. Practice your questions in front of the mirror and, for heaven’s sake, do not read from a printed answer.
Much to learn. And the work starts now.
Sheila Copps is a former Jean Chrétien-era cabinet minister and a former deputy prime minister. Follow her on Twitter at @Sheila_Copps.
