New MP-elect in orientation at House of Commons

MP-elect Ryan Williams in the House.

Bay of Quinte’s new MP-Elect Ryan Williams is among 52 new members of parliament undergoing orientation – in person and virtually – before taking their seats in the House of Commons.

They have been filling out paperwork, getting electronic devices, setting up an office and hiring staff during the transition. New MPs works with the non-partisan Board of Internal Economy in Ottawa and the House of Commons as they learn about their parliamentary functions. It is not clear when MPs will return for the opening of parliament. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to name his new cabinet this month.

Neil Ellis passes on the ‘parliamentary torch’ to MP-elect Ryan Williams.

Williams is also hiring staff to take over the 250 Sidney St Office in Belleville from former MP Neil Ellis and is planning to open an office in Quinte West, while also having a presence monthly in Prince Edward County.

He has toured Parliament Hill, currently under a 10-year renovation, where the House of Commons has been moved to West Block in the meantime, from Centre Block.

“I am anxious to get to work, and have parliament resume so we can work on the biggest issues in this region including filling job vacancies, working on housing, and mental health,” said Williams. “I’m getting orientated as fast as I can in order to get to work.” It has been a great experience so far, but I am aware that time is of the essence when it comes to getting our offices up and running, so we are prioritizing those office openings as quick as we can.”

In the meantime, Williams has obtained his parliamentary email which is ryan.williams@parl.gc.ca