Evidence of meeting #14 for Procedure and House Affairs in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was family.
A recording is available from Parliament.
12:55 p.m.
Conservative
Jamie Schmale Conservative Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, ON
Yes, but just to get them involved, I think, helps as well, and just for my spouse to have that kind of break, if you will, and me to spend some time—
12:55 p.m.
Member, Parliamentary Spouses Association
Even if they're not participating in the organized events, to just be in touch.... Sometimes it's just venting sessions, but that helps, is that not right?
12:55 p.m.
Member, Parliamentary Spouses Association
People are feeling that they're not alone. I've only been in this for less than six months, but already you're feeling across party lines just a system, a network of support. Not everyone else is going to relate to what you're going through. Definitely I'm encouraging them all to dialogue with us, whether it's by email or....
1 p.m.
Member, Parliamentary Spouses Association
I'd also just like to point out that it's good for spouses to come, if only because then there's appreciation for the commute travelled by the MP to make it home. Every time I come—and I fly a red eye, if I have to get here—I can appreciate what he goes through to get home every weekend to spend time with me. It's so good for spouses to come to see that you are at work here, that you guys aren't sleeping in when we're at home with the kids. It's beneficial all the way around for families to come, and it's such an honour to come and be a part of history like this. It's so good if they can make the effort to come and be involved.
1 p.m.
Conservative
Jamie Schmale Conservative Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, ON
I agree. As I said, to be here to experience it is very beneficial.
In terms of health and fitness, we had talked about this before. Here's a quick pitch for the parliamentary running group every Tuesday and Thursday, at 6:45 a.m. We have no representation from the NDP. I'll see David Christopherson here on Thursday at 6:45. Maybe we can just expand on that. I know it's very tough. I find I will usually say I'll do it in the evening and something will come up. I think if I don't do it in the morning, it's not getting done. My clothes have shrunk since election day.
What advice can you give us?
1 p.m.
Chief Executive Officer, Vanier Institute of the Family
I think there are a couple of things that organizations have done, and in part it's becoming mindful of it and putting it front and centre. That means making sure that when you're planning meetings it's not always just sandwiches and that there is a juice bar. Why not? Companies have been dealing with this for a long time. One of the things that happened about a decade ago was the elimination of frying equipment in all the cafeterias in manufacturing organizations. There was a little grumbling for a day or two, or a week or two. Then they got used to the salad bar.
Once it becomes mindful and starts to become part of the culture.... What I'm saying is that it's not just tinkering around the edges, but it's getting at the culture and become very mindful of it. Then it becomes much easier. It also becomes easier when everybody knows there is a certain block in the day, say 5:30 to 8:00, that is your time. It's your time to Skype. It's your time to work out. It's your time to meditate. It's your time to catch up on whatever it is. Nothing is booked on a particular day, or a particular time, and everybody buys into it. Once it's collective and everybody is supporting everybody, it becomes much easier to fulfill.
The habits that are formed here are habits that have been formed here for 150 years. You have to start with a whole new set of habits, as well as a whole new set of strategies and solutions. I think once that happens you will be much more successful, much more healthy, and the families will be less stressed. Take advantage of what is there. Broaden your thinking of families and don't leave anything untouched. Don't just focus on a compressed workweek. What about a compressed work month? What about working six days a week instead of four days a week?
We have lots of experience now with gas and oil, and with mining and how they're doing what they call FIFO, fly in, fly out. Exactly what you guys are doing. Only they've been experimenting on what's the ideal for health and well-being. What's the ideal? They're still producing, and they're still being productive. Don't just think that a compressed week is the only solution. All the literature shows that if you're going to compress your workweek, Friday is the worst day to take off. Mondays are a whole lot better for everybody for a whole host of reasons that I could get into if anybody is interested. For optics, practicalities, efficiencies, and travel think Mondays as your riding day as opposed to Fridays. I can give you lots of data on that.
1 p.m.
Liberal
Arnold Chan Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
If there's data you could share with this committee, I would find it invaluable simply to make the point to our own respective caucuses.
1 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Larry Bagnell
I'd like to thank all the witnesses for coming. As I said earlier, if you have something more, please send it in writing to us. We'll see everyone Thursday when we're going to have the House of Commons Administration so we can ask about the day care and everything. It should be a packed meeting.
Thank you everyone.
The meeting is adjourned.