Political staffers have it tough. I know. I employ them
PARLIAMENT HILL—It wouldn’t be right to conclude this series of op-eds on mental health on Parliament Hill—particularly an entry focusing on staff—without amplifying the voice of another insightful spokesperson on mental health, Paul Wernick, a former parliamentary staffer who has brought the workplace culture of Parliament Hill and its unique stresses and mental health challenges […]
There’s no real ammunition for Conservatives against pot legalization
OTTAWA—Thanks be to God marijuana is now legal, because it’s been getting pretty tiresome constantly talking about it. It almost makes you long for the day when Senate reform was the hot topic. Well, maybe not. For me, this isn’t a question of self-interest as a cannabis aficionado. The last time I smoked weed I […]
Former Hill staffer Wernick wants MPs to sign pledge to bring about ‘a long-term culture change’ on the Hill
Paul Wernick, the former Liberal staffer who attempted suicide twice earlier this year, including once on the Hill, and went public with his story in order to publicize the darker side of working in federal politics, is now urging all MPs to sign a pledge to create “greater transparency and accountability regarding working conditions” on […]
Canada must provide care continuity for mental health
With World Mental Health Day this week, it’s a suitable time to discuss mental health and addiction from a broad perspective. One in five Canadians, annually, grapple with a mental health issue or addiction, according to a 2011 study from the Mental Health Commission of Canada. By age 40, half of the population will have experienced, […]
Bravo, Tim Powers. Let’s talk, indeed
Re: “We have to talk openly about mental illness. Here’s my story,” (The Hill Times, Oct. 3, p. 12). Thank you, Tim Powers. I am also taking “happy pills” that help to manage my depression, except when they don’t. Since I retired almost eight years ago, I have openly talked about my recurring depression, especially […]
Life as a new MP: how to create order in a chaotic office
PARLIAMENT HILL—Early on as a new Member of Parliament, you first reckon with a pervasive ambiguity of purpose and attempt to qualify your performance. As a former consultant, I defaulted to lifelong practices and sought to import the norms I had learned and internalized over decades of private sector experience to systematize my duties. In […]
To guard mental health, Hillites recommend exercise, eating right, and saying no
When it comes to achieving good mental health, elected officials and staffers say it’s important to set good boundaries, get in regular physical activity, and stay away from the food at receptions. The Hill Times spoke to more than 15 MPs, Senators, and staffers about how they manage their mental health in a job where it […]
What it’s like to be a rookie MP in a workplace that fetishizes exhaustion
PARLIAMENT HILL—The polls open, you cast your ballot, and for the rest of the day volunteers, friends, and family members do everything they can to distract you as the results pour in, sequestering you from televisions and the radio. In the moment, you can’t help but be frustrated with being “managed.” But looking back, it’s […]
Work-life balance tough in 24-hour news cycle, but there’s help for Parliamentarians to cope
PARLIAMENT HILL—As Speaker of Canada’s Upper Chamber, I am expected to preside over matters impartially. However, there are some issues that transcend partisanship and party lines. One is the mental health of Parliamentarians and employees. More and more, Parliamentarians are speaking openly and candidly about their personal struggles with mental illness. In sharing such intimate […]
Too many are still suffering in silence on the Hill. This has to change
PARLIAMENT HILL—They come to Parliament Hill, the best and brightest people, eager to watch from a front‑row seat as history is being made. They are the thousands of political staffers who work here—dedicated and driven, with an unwavering desire to serve. They may not know it, but when these people begin their parliamentary careers in […]
