Yvonne Jones arrives on Parliament Hill
May 23, 2013
As I left my home community of Mary’s Harbour Tuesday, the early morning rise, and the two-hour trek over gravel roads and worn pavement were the same, but something was different. Labrador was about to change and I was going to lead that progress for people. I looked forward and I saw an even bigger land with vast potential.
I left Labrador for Ottawa, my first trip to Parliament Hill as the newly elected Member of Parliament. Arriving that evening, I spent a restless night in my hotel room. A mixture of enthusiasm, a recollection of responsibility and an eagerness to get down to work kept me on my feet until the early morning hours. I was reminded of a call that one campaign worker took during the election from a person who suggested that she had better check the batteries in Yvonne Jones because I was running on some high alkaline. This was a normal pace for me, a busy life, a life committed to working for people. It may sound sad to some but these are my happiest moments. That is what makes me tick: pressure, stress, work deadlines…gotta love it!
Photo : Greg Kolz
On Wednesday morning, I walked to Confederation Building on Parliament Hill to pick up my Parliamentarian pass. It was a powerful moment as I realized that many great people had had this privilege and had helped shape our country. The 6th floor will also to be the home of my new office, so I will pass through those doors many times over the next few years.
I was grateful the rain stayed away, and for the aid of two fine young staffers, who knew not only how to navigate the Hill, but also every face on the block. They were a great source of information for a new MP.
Together we walked to the Centennial Flame, which, constructed in 1967, burned bright, rising up to the Center Block on Parliament Hill. Weaving through several protesters reminded me that democracy is alive and well; we are free to have our say, exercise our constitutional rights and speak freely in Canada.
In the distance I saw my Newfoundland and Labrador Liberal colleagues ready to greet me. I waved and proudly walked up to them wearing a big small town smile. Behind them were Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau and the rest of the Caucus. They really knew how to welcome a girl to Ottawa!
In that moment, I was reminded of the tremendous respect and admiration I have for Justin Trudeau. I believe strongly in his ability to lead our country and realize positive change for all Canadians. From the homeless, to children who are unable to access education, to mothers who want a second chance at life, to trades people without opportunities in their home communities, to seniors who need care, to businesses that struggle with government legislation, to immigrants who are not respected, to Aboriginal Peoples who have no say in their land, to teachers who are taken for granted, to industry that is ignored, I know we can make a real difference for them all. I am very excited to join Justin Trudeau in the movement to bring new opportunities and greater prosperity to the people of Labrador.
On the steps under the Peace Tower, in the fray of the media, I looked to the camera and waved to the people back home. I gave our Leader a pair of Labrador boxing gloves and then we walked together to the front doors of Parliament. As we entered the building he looked to the security guards and said, “she’s with me.” I knew there was no other team I would rather play on than the Trudeau Liberal Team.
Yvonne Jones
MP for Labrador