“Please rise for The Honourable Ronald D. Cannan, PC, MP.”

Just kidding, we didn’t have to do that!

However, Elaine and I felt fortunate being able to schedule a meeting with Mr. Cannan at his Kelowna office on Friday, November 14. We had crossed paths with our local leader, Privy Council (PC) and Member of Parliament (MP), 72 hours earlier at the Remembrance Day 2014 ceremony in City Park. A couple of warm handshakes and friendly banter turned into a confirmed assembly time three days later.

Members of Parliament (MP), for my American audience, represent the regional and local concerns of the constituents in their ridings (also called electoral districts) in the House of Commons. These elected officials solve problems for constituents and influence legislation through debates on a wide variety of federal government matters – from checking on individual problems with federal government departments to providing information on governmental programs and policies. Members of Parliament also maintain a high profile in their ridings and take part in local events and official functions when possible.

 

 

Mr. Cannan is also a summoned member of the Privy Council (PC) which is the secretariat of the federal cabinet. Privy Councillors are members of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, established under the Constitution Act, 1867 to advise the Governor General. The Privy Council includes all past and present Ministers, as well as a number of select persons honoured for their contributions to Canada. Members are appointed by the Governor General, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

 

 

We arrived at his office at 9:28 AM – can’t keep a busy MP waiting. His assistant, Linda Bauer, greeted us and within minutes steered us to a meeting room with a large table. Pleasantries were exchanged when Mr. Cannan joined the group. He and Linda sat on one side of the table. Elaine and I sat across from them. Let the games begin.

There were no games or gamesmanship – just a lot of tactful questions from Elaine. She had prepared notes and fired away for insight on things like Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) per certain Immigration forms we had filed, and the critical issue of “wait times” for open work permits concerning applicants for Inland Spousal Residency Applicants (like me). There’s a deep-rooted consensus amongst applicants and spouses/sponsors that these work permits should be government-issued soon after the AOR stage.

 

 

 

 

Mr. Cannan and Linda had fielded similar queries before. They engaged Elaine and made a concerted effort to address them with well-researched responses. The two of us were pleased with the back-and-forth discussion, realizing that legislative change at the Parliament level would not be an easy mountain to climb. But, as we’ve heard, the winds of change were already wafting through the House of Commons. Many Canadian voices were barking loudly and clearly per open work permit wait times and how outrageous they had become.

 

 

 

 

 

Peppered in with the political talk were human-interest sidebars about how Elaine and I met in college, how we reunited in Honolulu, Elaine’s job at the UBC Faculty of Medicine, and our future plans in Kelowna. By the end of our discussion, one hour later, we were talking about Canada-USA trade agreements and how cold it was in the Nunavut and Yukon territories. It almost felt like we were in somebody’s back yard swapping stories at a summer barbecue

 

 

 

 

We adjourned and took group pictures near the front desk. Lines of communication had been opened. Concerns were heard. Friendships and trust were built. One last question. I jokingly asked Mr. Cannan “if he would come to our house party next year when I FINALLY received my open work permit.” His immediate response – “Absolutely.” I’m gonna hold the Edmonton native to his word.

 

 

 

 

Quite a motivating experience, eh?! That’s what I was thinking while walking back to the car. Elaine was also feeling the vibe. Our MP was Mighty Personable.

The Honourable Ron Cannan is coming up on nine years of political service for Kelowna-Lake Country and the Conservative Caucus. Here are nine no-spin-zone questions for him:

1.  How would you describe your leadership style that you have developed during your political career?

My leadership style is based on strong relationships, integrity, and trust mixed in with a good sense of humour.

2.  What gives you the most joy or satisfaction in being a part of Canada’s political process, and why?

Without a doubt, helping my constituents resolve their problems by connecting them with the right people within the government. I get a real sense of personal satisfaction from helping others and connecting people to others so they can achieve their dreams and aspirations.

3.  Can you remember your first day as a Member of Parliament (MP) and how it felt when you stepped into your first House of Parliament session?

Yes, because it reminded me of a day I sat in the House of Commons in July 1998 when we were on a family vacation. I looked around the room and thought wouldn’t it be amazing to be a Member of Parliament. It was a like a kid dreaming about playing on a team in the big leagues. I still carry that thought and memory with me each day that I enter the House of Commons. It really is an incredible honour and privilege to serve the people of Kelowna-Lake Country. I am truly grateful and don’t take it for granted.

 4.  Can you tell us about a memorable or unusual situation that took place one morning or afternoon inside the House of Parliament?

It has to be the day a gunman made his way into Parliament. Hearing gun fire outside our caucus room was surreal. Our security services were outstanding. It was a tragedy to lose our soldiers. But Canadians rallied and showed how strong they are, and even though it was difficult for some of my colleagues to return to Parliament, the House of Commons sat the very next day. It made me proud to be a Canadian.

 5.  Tell us about the day in September 2013 when you were summoned to become a member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada? Describe your responsibilities in this position?

In July 2013, I received a phone call from the Prime Minister’s Office while having lunch with some friends informing me of the appointment and telling me I couldn’t tell anyone until after the ceremony. My wonderful wife Cindy, our three daughters, one of our three grandsons, my two Ottawa staff as well as two of my dedicated campaign-team volunteers all attended the special ceremony (September 13, 2012) inside Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General of Canada. Governor General David Johnson and Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the swearing-in ceremony a day in my life I will never forget. It was an incredible experience. A great honour!

The appointment is advisory in nature and I sit on a cabinet sub-committee which is considering ways in which we can modernize the government and make government administration more efficient.

 6.  What are you most proud of based on what’s taking place these days in Kelowna-Lake Country?

Collaboration and partnership. It always gets the job done. I’m really proud of how we have been able to develop a close working relationship with the representatives from all levels of government (Mayors/Councils/MLA’s) the Kelowna & Lake Country Chambers of Commerce, and the not-for-profit sectors of our community. I’ve always said that there is only one tax payer so we need to work closely together to identify community priorities so those tax dollars are the most effective. We’ve been pretty successful and have seen investments in new infrastructure (roads/water/sewer/recreational), environmental and social investments, job creation, technology, education, healthcare, wineries and agri-tourism. We just had local elections so I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the local elected officials and city staff.  

 7.  During your political career – what has been your favorite/most memorable trip to a foreign land or country, and why? And what political leader have you met that made the most-lasting impression on you, and why?

I have served on the International Trade Committee since being elected in my first term of office on January 23, 2006. I have been blessed to travel to several countries and have met some amazing people. I had a very memorable trip touring Israel & Palestine (Bethlehem – the birth place of Jesus). As the Co-Chair of the Canada-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Association, I was invited by President Ma Ying-jeou to his inauguration ceremony in 2012. I also had a very memorable trip in March, 2014 to Seoul, Korea where I was invited to accompany Prime Minister Stephen Harper for the signing of the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement which just received Royal Assent and will take effect in 2015.  In Seoul, I was able to meet South Korean President Park Geun-hye, the first female President in Northeast Asia. 

 8.  How much trade/commerce takes place daily, monthly, and yearly between Canada and the United States? Is it a healthy relationship, and why?

Canada and the U.S. are the world’s largest trading partners with more than C$782 billion in goods and services being traded per year. Since the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement came into force in 1989, two-way trade in goods and services with the United States has more than tripled. Thanks to this agreement and the North American Free Trade Agreement, the trading relationship between our two countries is so strong that we exchange approximately $1.4 million in goods and services every minute. As a member of the Canada-US Parliamentary Group, and with my work on the trade committee, I get the opportunity to meet with my US counterparts throughout the year. It’s a very positive relationship and one that is valuable for both countries.  Despite some disagreements, we all know the importance of keeping our relationship positive and our borders fluid for the benefit of our local, regional and national economies.

 9.  In your free time away from the political arena – what are your hobbies and interests (are you really a drummer in the Willow Park Church band, explain, Ringo)?

I enjoy spending as much time as possible with my #1 interest, my wife, family and especially our three grandsons. Hobbies include playing sports and recreational cycling. Close behind is my love for music. I played drums in various weekend wedding bands for several years. In 1990 when we moved to Kelowna, I was the rebel that introduced the drums to Trinity Baptist Church. For a few years I was playing drums at both Trinity and Willow Park Church where I now play whenever I have a weekend free (which isn’t too often). Occasionally, I play with the worship team at First Lutheran Church as well. I even have a set of electronic drums in my parliamentary office as a way of unwinding from a hectic day. If interested, I’ll be playing at Willow Park Church this Christmas Eve, two services 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. If you don’t have a church service to attend, you are all welcome to come celebrate the real “reason for the season”……the birth of Jesus Christ…….Joy to the World!