Timiskaming-Cochrane’s Member of Provincial Parliament, John Vanthof, visited Northern Secondary and White Woods Public schools as part of Take Your MPP to School Week on May 22. The invitation came from the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA), which invited all Ontario MPPs to visit schools in their riding, and Vanthof quickly accepted. He was accompanied on his visit by Near North District School Board local trustee Julie Anne Bertram.
“One of my favourite activities is visiting schools,” Vanthof said, “because people in government need to relate to young people, they are our future leaders. Often, when you watch politics from afar, at least when I used to watch it, you don’t see politicians as regular people, but for the most part, we are! Like today, we spoke to one young lady who ran for student trustee and was successful, and you saw the shine in her eyes there. Feelings like that will translate into future public service, that is what helps make our country great, and to keep it great we need young people in our systems.”
Riley Trudeau is the young lady Vanthof spoke about. She is the Near North Board’s incoming Indigenous Student Trustee, and expressed excitement about her new role. “I am so thankful to have this role and to work with such respectful and helpful people. I didn’t think I would be a Trustee, but I went for it, and it happened! You just have to try.” Bertram agreed, “It’s so true, it’s all about participating and trying new things, that’s how change happens.”
Students heard about Vanthof’s experiences as a dairy farmer and the path that led him to become Timiskaming-Cochrane’s MPP for the past 13 years. The younger students were especially interested in understanding what the different levels of government do and how they interact. White Woods Principal Phillipa Madigan was happy to see her Grades 5 to 8 students ask interesting questions and engage enthusiastically with their guests. “What a great opportunity for them, for everyone. I hope we can do this again,” she said.
Northern’s Principal, Sean Ruddy, walked Vanthof and Bertram through the high school, highlighting the library and courtyard with instruments, a lounge, and massive plants called “The Jungle”. Vanthof was invited to speak to some of the older students during their Careers and History classes, where he talked candidly about his career and answered questions.
