By John Rafferty
This past week, my Ottawa staff joined me in the riding so they could meet some of the people we work for.
It was a busy week, but I think they enjoyed their time.
After arriving in Thunder Bay on Friday and having lunch with Margaret and Mary at my constituency office there, Jordan, Jay, and I jumped in the car and headed to Fort Frances. On the way, we were able to make a few stops at Kakabeka Falls and Atikokan.
For instance, we stopped to take some photos and also dropped into the Rural 60 Plus Recreation Centre in Kakabeka Falls. The group, as always, welcomed us with open arms.
We then made our way down the highway to Atikokan, where there was a variety show at the local Legion. Good music and great people made the night enjoyable for all.
Saturday was a chance for Richard and Christine, my Fort Frances staff, to finally meet Jordan and Jay. The coffee was good and we all had a chance to get caught up on the issues facing Fort Frances and Rainy River.
Richard, Jay, Jordan, and I then hopped into the car to take a tour of Rainy River and the border crossings before dinner.
We then hit the road back to the Thunder Bay again to attend the 38th-annual Carnevale Tea hosted by the DaVinci Centre Ladies Venet Society. I was honoured to pour tea at the event while Jordan and Jay got a chance to rest and talk with some of the hundreds of people who attended the event.
A few more meetings rounded out a busy Sunday.
Monday was a chance for a bit of sightseeing around Thunder Bay, and Jordan and Jay also got to meet Bill Liggins. After seeing the Sleeping Giant and Terry Fox monument, we had a nice meeting with Bill who I hope will be joining “Team Rafferty” in the near future.
Tuesday was easily the busiest day of our week. We were pleased to attend the opening of the Military Family Resource Centre at the HMCS Griffon building, where we had the chance to meet some of our military personnel and hear their personal stories and why the new centre means so much to their families.
The day wrapped up with several meetings in the Thunder Bay constituency office, a panel discussion hosted by with the Oshki Anishinawbeg Student Association at Confederation College, and a nice dinner at Mama Alfa’s pizza.
All said it was a busy week, but Jordan and Jay both enjoyed their time in the riding. Both are from large cities originally and were impressed with the natural beauty and culture of our communities.
Jordan wants to visit again soon while Jay is thinking about taking some vacation time this summer to visit one of our lakes or campgrounds.
Thanks to all of you for being such good hosts and for treating our guests to such a good time.
