Good afternoon.
My name is Michelle Warkentin. I'm the spouse of Chris Warkentin, member of Parliament for Grande Prairie—Mackenzie. During the 10 years that Chris has served in this position, we've had three children who are currently nine, seven, and five.
Becoming a member of Parliament is not so much a job as it is an act of public service. Those who know this to be true are the families of an MP, in whose job there are no guaranteed days off, very little public understanding of the demands, and a whole lot of scrutiny. Add to the pressure the breadth of our country and throw a family into the mix, and you have 338 different ways to be a member of Parliament.
Of the dozens of spouses I heard from in preparation of my testimony this afternoon, I realized that every family makes accommodations for the demands of the job in different ways, but several themes became apparent. One universal theme was the honour it is to support our spouses in their roles as members of Parliament and the joy each spouse shares in their partner's passion. Each spouse spoke of the sacrifices they knew they would be making when their partners were elected. No matter what considerations are made, the job demands sacrifice from elected members and their families. This should be made clear by all parties to all potential candidates.
I've heard from some that it might be helpful if parties or Parliament provided better information about the specific time commitments and demands on members to help prospective candidates make informed decisions before seeking public office. This may lead to less disappointment or frustration upon winning.
Regardless where families choose to reside, sacrifices will be made. Time improvements made in Ottawa will not necessarily benefit families who choose to remain in the riding. Families with young children will find that there will always be periods of separation from the member as demands in the riding and in Ottawa require constant and unpredictable travel. I know this is especially true for our leaders, ministers, parliamentary secretaries, and opposition critics.
One way to encourage families to stay together is to find a way to promote spousal independent travel. Currently, travel points are available and the budget is appropriate; however, I've heard from several families that in an effort to avoid public scrutiny they are reluctant to make use of the travel points made available.
A change that has been made that has already improved work-life balance for MPs is moving votes to right after question period. This has allowed MPs more flexibility in their evening work schedules. Every effort should be made to continue this practice, as this allows local members the ability to go home at night and gives non-local members the time to connect with loved ones in the riding.
Those who have been elected for a number of years have recognized the importance of summer weeks in the riding and the ability to then carve out time with the family. These weeks should be protected so that summer flexibility remains.
Another consideration could be made with respect to spring break. Each province has a different time for spring break, and even within a province there can be different weeks off. What a welcome change this year to have Chris home working in the riding during our children's spring break and to have two weeks in a row. If the parliamentary calendar could allow for two weeks in a row during the spring break timeline, I believe this would then accommodate most members from all provinces.
With respect to compressing the sitting week, the responses were mixed, but the vast majority whom I heard from believe that Canadians expect question period to take place five days a week during sitting weeks. Question period happens earlier on Friday morning, allowing members to make it home for the weekend. Furthermore, party whips have the authority to accommodate members who have farther to travel or have personal or riding obligations, as no votes are held on Fridays. Concern was expressed that if question period on Friday were taken away, it would reduce our members' advocacy and accountability by 20%. Furthermore, at a time when many constituents are being laid off, it's hard to justify asking for a day off.
The question asked about operating a child care facility on the Hill was posed to the spouses, and I was able to speak with a member and spouse who currently have their child in the Children on the Hill day care centre. They gave rave reviews and suggested that MPs receive priority when it comes to the waiting list. Another spouse suggested that the age of acceptance be lowered from 18 months to 12 months and that availability be granted on a drop-in basis for visiting MP dependants. Most spouses noted that setting up a separate day care facility would face many challenges, as the hours and days spent in the House of Commons are not consistent or year-round.
While we appreciate the discussion of parental leave, of the dozens of spouses who responded to me with respect to this issue, all voiced concern. Skepticism was expressed by spouses that paternal leave, even if made available, would not be used, because of the impression among the voting public that the member was unavailable to them during their elected mandate. I note the experience of other members who required extended sick leave from their responsibilities and who faced significant criticism about not being available to their constituents.
I believe all parties currently make concessions for the birth of a child, medical emergencies, or severe illnesses, which help to cover the MP's responsibilities. To set up a structured parental leave, however, might leave a politician open to attack during the next election. Furthermore, concern was expressed about how this would work in a minority government, when every vote counts.
Regarding the idea of electronic or proxy voting, the opinion was expressed by the majority of spouses I spoke to that members should be present together in Ottawa to vote. Much discussion takes place between members and parties, which goes on outside formal meetings, that would be adversely affected by members not physically attending votes. There is much to be said about the ability to come and reason together in the House of Commons. I heard it from many that the ability to vote is the privilege that members earned by winning this election.
Technology has improved by leaps and bounds in the 10 years we have served. FaceTime, Skype, texting, etc., has allowed us all to stay connected and maintain communication. Many requests were made, however, that the members' calendar be made more easily available to the spouses via electronic measures.
In conclusion I'd like to again express the privilege each spouse has felt as they have supported their partner in pursuit of their passion and the honour it is to be part of making a difference for our country. While there may be many ways to improve a better work-life balance for MPs, each current member ran in an election for the privilege of having this job. While some MPs will choose to move their families to the Ottawa area, some will make the choice to commute every weekend. Every change might benefit some, but it's unlikely to overcome the challenges faced by the majority of MPs. Everyone around this table knows that regardless of what changes are made, out of a desire to serve, the vast majority of MPs will continue to work long hours and through weekends to advocate on behalf of their community, their constituents, and their country.
On behalf of the spouses, we thank you for your service and appreciate your efforts to involve us in this discussion.