Heather Latter
Former district resident Douglas Judson has held a unique job for the past four weeks—acting as an advance to Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff’s national tour.
“In short, my team and I travel to locations ahead of Mr. Ignatieff’s campaign delegation and confirm venue, logistical, technical, and accommodation details,” explained Judson, noting each of the major parties has a group that does advance work.
Judson and his colleagues have been on-hand to greet the campaign plane when it arrives. Then they accompany the leader, his staff, and national media travelling with them to each venue that has been confirmed prior to their arrival.
But Judson noted travelling with a potential prime minister isn’t your typical road trip.
“Like the other parties’ campaigns, the buses are accompanied by an RCMP motorcade, and it’s definitely not every day that you board a private 737 jet,” he remarked.
“Most of all, though, it is wonderful to see people engaged in the democratic process at every stop along the way as volunteers, candidates, and simply undecided voters [come] out to see what Mr. Ignatieff is all about, in comparison to the other leaders,” he added.
“It’s inspiring to see people so enthusiastic for change.”
Judson also said working on an election campaign probably is one of the most exhausting, yet exhilarating, things someone could sign up for.
“It is a spontaneous and constantly changing job with Draconian hours so, naturally, I am in my element,” he joked.
“In all seriousness, though, the reward is the energetic, creative, and capable individuals you meet along the way, and I’m sure that those involved with the other parties would say likewise,” Judson stressed.
“It’s a splendid hiatus from your run-of-the-mill, nine-to-five [job].”
This is not Judson’s first “political” job, having worked for former Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Ken Boshcoff as well as MP Bob Rae previously.
In 2008, he worked on the local Liberal campaign, which provided him an opportunity to take part at the national level this time.
“During my time working for Ken [Boshcoff], there was never a day I did not look forward to going into the office or where I felt that something I was working on wasn’t important for the places and people I cared about,” Judson remarked.
“These are the occupational qualities I continue to look for in my career development, and have been fortunate to find in my more recent career pursuits,” he added.
“It’s about feeling that there’s a finite opportunity to make a difference, to learn from experienced leaders, and to give back to the people who helped you get there.”
Judson believes growing up in Northwestern Ontario has shaped his interested in politics.
“I think living in Northwestern Ontario, you need to take an interest in your politics if you’re going to have any appreciation for the forces at play in shaping the challenges and opportunities facing your community,” he reasoned, noting people can’t take for granted the quality of life they share here in Rainy River District.
“Given the few voices we have relative to larger centres, I believe that demonstrating leadership, being involved in our communities, and communicating our unique perspective to others is vital to maintaining and building upon that quality of life,” he argued.
“At a certain point, you can’t do any of those things without becoming political—it’s practically accidental.”
Judson will continue his job with Ignatieff until Monday’s election.
Then he’s slated to enrol in the joint law/MBA program offered by the Osgoode Hall Law School and the Schulich School of Business in Toronto.
“I am very excited about the program, and look forward to what new opportunity or adventure it may bring my way,” Judson enthused.
