I want to be an MP. What do I do?

[TheAstonMartian]

Ideally nothing. First an M.P. is loyal to the constituents and does their bidding. Most often the M.P. does what the party leader wants and to Hell with the constituent. Quite often (almost always) the M.P. gets himself obligated to the corporate sector. A good M.P. lays his cards on the table at the getgo both to the party executive and to the constituents- and hopes his philosophy is good enough. As soon as he starts changing his rules to get votes he's in trouble. Federally and Provincially we have too many YES MEN.

Thank you for the feedback. The problem is that I don't really know what an MP does. There work is not really flexible, or organized, but rather dependent on the day. I read that even though the benefits are great, they work really long hours.

As many others have said in previous posts in this thread already, albeit not quite as explicitly as I'll say it below:

Join the Party, submit to the Party, breathe the Party, be the Party, and you will work your way up.

Thanks. I will have to find a party that fits my philosophy now, and see how many hours I have to rake in to be noticeable.

 

[Machjo]

True. I am not becoming an MP anytime soon, but have time to learn, and adapt. However, what is so bad about being an MP? They work long hours, and try to raise concerns. If we look down at politics, then we will never be able to break the barrier between government spending, and taxpayer contributions.

As for representing a political party, I think it goes without saying that you don't backbite, or criticize other members.

I do have a question though: why do you want to be an MP?

If it's to influence your society for the better, there are plenty of better jobs, such as teacher for instance. If you think about it for a moment, an MP (heck, even the Prime Minister) is not that powerful in that to guarantee a win he must submit to the will of a plurality of his constituents, meaning that either he coincidentally is a pretty mainstream guy or he's really good at getting a feel for the people and delivering what they want. The only exception might be the odd one who can sway the locals to support his views. Such MPs are extremely rare, though granted they're the only ones who really stand a chance to change society. The rest merely react to changes in society.

 

[JLM]

As many others have said in previous posts in this thread already, albeit not quite as explicitly as I'll say it below:

Join the Party, submit to the Party, breathe the Party, be the Party, and you will work your way up.

Does that address the constituents' concerns? I'll bet 9 out of 10 voters don't have a clue as to the party's platform or most of what they stand for. They vote for a candidate because of one or two issues or more than likely because he/she is not quite as reprehensible as the other candidates.

 

[Machjo]

So what category would you fall into?

Does that address the constituents' concerns? I'll bet 9 out of 10 voters don't have a clue as to the party's platform or most of what they stand for. They vote for a candidate because of one or two issues or more than likely because he/she is not quite as reprehensible as the other candidates.

Or because they think his party logo looks really cool.

Thanks. I will have to find a party that fits my philosophy now, and see how many hours I have to rake in to be noticeable.

Yikes! I hope you recognized the sarcasm in my post. I'm sick and tired of parties running the show and quite frankly tend to lean more in favour of independent candidates. If you really took my words above to heart, you ain't getting my vote any time soon.

That said, should you decide to run as an independent candidate on a principled platform, I certainly would consider voting for you, but bear in mind not one candidate I've ever voted for has yet won a seat in Parliament.

So don't worry about my vote, because whom I vote for most won't. If your goal is to win, then definitely breathe the Party. I won't vote for you then, but you'll have a damn good chance of winning. But hey, the choice is yours.

 

[TheAstonMartian]

I do have a question though: why do you want to be an MP?

If it's to influence your society for the better, there are plenty of better jobs, such as teacher for instance. If you think about it for a moment, an MP (heck, even the Prime Minister) is not that powerful in that to guarantee a win he must submit to the will of a plurality of his constituents, meaning that either he coincidentally is a pretty mainstream guy or he's really good at getting a feel for the people and delivering what they want. The only exception might be the odd one who can sway the locals to support his views. Such MPs are extremely rare, though granted they're the only ones who really stand a chance to change society. The rest merely react to changes in society.

I wan to be an MP because it is a respectable job. That is the truth. I am well versed, and am a good writer. I like the collaborative experience of working with others especially if it meant that I could communicate with people and get to know more about what they are looking from their government.

I know that I am crazy in what I said above, and that as an MP, I may be humiliated till I actually seek therapy, but it is something that I see myself doing. I also want to make my parents proud by amounting to something in life rather than just a nobody. Plus, the job is recession proof, and pays good pension. I guess I have mixed views on selfishness and selflessness.

 

[JLM]

I think what Machjo is saying you have to make up your mind whether you want to be successful candidate or a reputable candidate, but you can't be both.

]I wan to be an MP because it is a respectable job.[/B] That is the truth. I am well versed, and am a good writer. I like the collaborative experience of working with others especially if it meant that I could communicate with people and get to know more about what they are looking from their government.

I know that I am crazy in what I said above, and that as an MP, I may be humiliated till I actually seek therapy, but it is something that I see myself doing. I also want to make my parents proud by amounting to something in life rather than just a nobody. Plus, the job is recession proof, and pays good pension. I guess I have mixed views on selfishness and selflessness.

Whoa- hold on- Any job that needs doing is a "respectable job"- a janitor is a respectable job- without him people get sick or have accidents. What's more important is whether you are a respectable person, do you do the job to the best of your ability? Do you do what you SAY you are going do? Do you keep your promises?

 

[TheAstonMartian]

I think what Machjo is saying you have to make up your mind whether you want to be successful candidate or a reputable candidate, but you can't be both.

In that case, I want to be a successful MP. I can be both as long as I don't get into scandals like Rahim Jaffer, or Ruby Dhalla.

I think what Machjo is saying you have to make up your mind whether you want to be successful candidate or a reputable candidate, but you can't be both.



Whoa- hold on- Any job that needs doing is a "respectable job"- a janitor is a respectable job- without him people get sick or have accidents. What's more important is whether you are a respectable person, do you do the job to the best of your ability? Do you do what you SAY you are going do? Do you keep your promises?

I can lie, but if I were to secure a seat in the House of Parliament, then I will respect that. I live in a society, and that is why I follow its rules. Being an MP is the same thing.

A janitor is respectable, but we don't look at them the same way. I just like the work of MP's as they get to experience a lot, and have variety of things to do in their jobs.

 

[Ron in Regina]

Hi!

I currently live in Calgary, Alberta, and want to be a Member of Parliament. I am a 20 year old Canadian Citizen from Bangladeshi origins, and want to represent the citizens of Canada. I am not really sure how to start out though.

I know that the Prime Minister is responsible for representing the Canada, but I want to be a part of the bench. Politically, I am a moderate, and don't see a huge difference between the Liberals and Conservatives. I am new so I have a lot to learn. I will work hard to secure a position. Where do I start though at this point?

My main concern right now is the medical system in Canada, and the lack of doctors. That is one issue I want to raise.

Any help will be deeply appreciated. Thank you.

Being in Calgary, Alberta....count the number of MP's in Ottawa from your
province from any party except the Conservatives. That might help you
in your choice of political parties. ;-)

 

[TheAstonMartian]

Being in Calgary, Alberta....count the number of MP's in Ottawa from your
province from any party except the Conservatives. That might help you
in your choice of political parties. ;-)

Members of Parliament
Whoa! I did not anticipate that.

 

[JLM]

Being in Calgary, Alberta....count the number of MP's in Ottawa from your
province from any party except the Conservatives. That might help you
in your choice of political parties. ;-)

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

 

[TenPenny]

Thank you for the feedback. The problem is that I don't really know what an MP does.

Forgive me for saying so, but how can you claim to 'want to be an MP' when you don't know what an MP does?

An MP, if he/she (let's use he for simplicity) is a bankbencher, ie, without a cabinet post, does essentially two things: one, works to resolve any issues/concerns of his constituents; if someone needs help getting through layers of civil servants, or needs to get grandpa's veterans benefits straightened out, their MP is the go-to guy. Usually, an MP will have a staff to help do these things. The other function of an MP is to work on legislation put before the house, to read and understand the bills, to help craft the laws, and also to ensure that his constituents are informed about new regulations, programs, etc, and to help people access these.

Often, MPs will also sit on committees, either ones dealing with the House and its function, or dealing with various functions of the government. These committees have their own extra duties, involving meetings, etc.

 

[TheAstonMartian]

Forgive me for saying so, but how can you claim to 'want to be an MP' when you don't know what an MP does?

An MP, if he/she (let's use he for simplicity) is a bankbencher, ie, without a cabinet post, does essentially two things: one, works to resolve any issues/concerns of his constituents; if someone needs help getting through layers of civil servants, or needs to get grandpa's veterans benefits straightened out, their MP is the go-to guy. Usually, an MP will have a staff to help do these things. The other function of an MP is to work on legislation put before the house, to read and understand the bills, to help craft the laws, and also to ensure that his constituents are informed about new regulations, programs, etc, and to help people access these.

Often, MPs will also sit on committees, either ones dealing with the House and its function, or dealing with various functions of the government. These committees have their own extra duties, involving meetings, etc.

I know what an MP generally does, but not what he/she does on a day by day basis. I just wanted to look more into the frustrating parts of an MP's life.

 

[Kreskin]

If that's your dream, become one. Anyone can become anything they want if they put their mind to it.

 

[Mowich]

Hi!

I currently live in Calgary, Alberta, and want to be a Member of Parliament. I am a 20 year old Canadian Citizen from Bangladeshi origins, and want to represent the citizens of Canada. I am not really sure how to start out though.

I know that the Prime Minister is responsible for representing the Canada, but I want to be a part of the bench. Politically, I am a moderate, and don't see a huge difference between the Liberals and Conservatives. I am new so I have a lot to learn. I will work hard to secure a position. Where do I start though at this point?

My main concern right now is the medical system in Canada, and the lack of doctors. That is one issue I want to raise.

Any help will be deeply appreciated. Thank you.

Wanting to serve your country as an MP is an admirable goal, TAM. I would suggest you start at the local level as that is where your future constituents live and their concerns at any level of goverment you should aspire too, will always be the basis from which you should form your political agenda. Think about running for a city counsellor position or volunteer for different political parties in order to learn the different ideologies in each. I wish you luck in your endeavours.

 

[polaris]

The conservatives could run roadkill in Alberta and win the seat....By gosh I think they have done just that...

That says a lot for the political sophistication of Albertan voters...

 

[Goober]

Hi!

I currently live in Calgary, Alberta, and want to be a Member of Parliament. I am a 20 year old Canadian Citizen from Bangladeshi origins, and want to represent the citizens of Canada. I am not really sure how to start out though.

I know that the Prime Minister is responsible for representing the Canada, but I want to be a part of the bench. Politically, I am a moderate, and don't see a huge difference between the Liberals and Conservatives. I am new so I have a lot to learn. I will work hard to secure a position. Where do I start though at this point?

My main concern right now is the medical system in Canada, and the lack of doctors. That is one issue I want to raise.

Any help will be deeply appreciated. Thank you.

You must have a number of critical characteristics and suitable training before hand. A short listing follows:

Be able to lie, and really sound convincing,

Be able to retract that lie, and again sound reasonable.

Take a course run by a very good dog trainer. Listen and learn what they have to say about small dogs. Then incorporate them into your personality as for the most part, you will be a lap dog.

Have a stomach for endorsing some policy reversal that completely contradicts your statements, your conscience and previous party policy while going thru the election process and again, sound like you believe it.

Being able to smile while you do it.

Lastly - you will never receive any credit for doing a good job.

So what Party appeals to you, and where would you be running??????

 

[Ron in Regina]

The conservatives could run roadkill in Alberta and win the seat....By gosh I think they have done just that...

That says a lot for the political sophistication of Albertan voters...

....so.....you're saying you're an Alberta Resident? Where are you going with the
above comment?

 

[Goober]

The conservatives could run roadkill in Alberta and win the seat....By gosh I think they have done just that...

That says a lot for the political sophistication of Albertan voters...

And you reside in which Province????

 

[TenPenny]

I know what an MP generally does, but not what he/she does on a day by day basis. I just wanted to look more into the frustrating parts of an MP's life.

The frustrating parts? Never being able to go anywhere without being 'at work'. Never having a holiday you can call your own.

Or so I've been told.

 

[Kreskin]

The frustrating parts? Never being able to go anywhere without being 'at work'. Never having a holiday you can call your own.

Or so I've been told.

OK, which riding do you represent TP? None of this "so I've been told".