Back to sitting, 2024 reflections for Hill staff
Hill staff supporting all sides of the aisle may want to seize this opportunity to make deliberate choices about how they will impact what unfolds around them, and how they will grow, learn and contribute to what happens in our democratic processes before the next election.
As we settle into 2024 and sit on the verge of Parliament’s return, Hill staff find themselves in a particular moment: as rancorous as this sitting is likely to be, it is just as likely to be the calm before the proverbial storm of 2025: the election year. And while an election could of course emerge in this calendar year, most observers agree that 2024 will be the “final year of governing” in this mandate for the Liberals.
Given that we are already nearer to the end of this mandate than the beginning, Hill staff supporting all sides of the aisle may want to seize this opportunity to make deliberate choices about how they will impact what unfolds around them, and how they will grow, learn and contribute to what happens in our democratic processes before the next election — whenever that may be.
Here are pieces of advice based on my own lived experience, and inspired by those experiences of my friends and colleagues who have worked on the Hill for this particular moment in time.
Remind yourself why you are here, especially as all will change soon
The only constant in life, as in politics, is change. With an election comes immense change, so be prepared.
Regardless of what Party or Parliamentarian you are working for, you chose to work on the Hill for at least one specific reason. Maybe it was to give back to your home community through the work of their elected official. Maybe it was to gain a deeper understanding of democratic processes. Maybe it was to ensure that someone with your heritage or background had a voice and influence over the political process. Maybe it was to learn. Or it was all of these things.
No matter the reason, do not lose sight of that reason. Take this moment to re-centre yourself and step back from the day-to-day madness that permeates these jobs. Your focus will determine your reality in terms of what you can achieve, so stay focused.
Not everything will get done before the writ drops, so be at peace with what is achievable
The Supply and Confidence Agreement between the government and the NDP has likely prolonged the lifespan of this Parliament. And even with that “found time”, there will be projects, bills or studies that will not be completed when Parliament dissolves. This is an inevitability that you must come to peace with. Prioritize what you can control and otherwise work with allies in your caucus or across the aisle to get the best results possible.
Be deliberate about whether you are sticking around for the election and all that comes next – or not
Your broader team will need to know who is prepared to campaign, and who isn’t. It’s probably best not to leave this decision to the last minute. Take stock this year of your own goals and what you stand to learn and contribute to a campaign. And then decide. This team sport relies on transparency about intent and, if you’re choosing to move on, the relationships you have forged on the Hill will be better maintained if you’ve been upfront with your colleagues.
It’s a small town, continue to be kind to everyone
As the election inches nearer, partisanship and emotions are running high. But Ottawa is small. The Hill, and its extended campus, are even smaller. There is a large group of staffers that tend to work in Parliament, to provincial legislatures, and sometimes back again. Natural friendships will develop over time with your colleagues of course, but also think about how you treat people in offices across government, stakeholders, and people in the media. You never know who will see again in different circumstances – either in the near future or the longer term. Do not let later term stresses or desired outcomes colour how you treat people around you.
And always remember the golden rule of a political office: the person who handles the MP’s schedule is probably the most important person in the office. Be especially kind to them. Whether they are a seasoned vet or this is their first political gig, their role is critical and never more so than when a parliamentary session is winding down. If you are an EA to an MP, thank you – your work keeps up all moving forward.
Networking is key, but be yourself
Networking plays an important role on the Hill but authenticity is key. While we don’t know when the writ will drop, I encourage you to meet and be inspired by as many people as you can before it is. Try to find a mentor who is in a job or field (if they have left the Hill) you eventually want to be in. Networking goes beyond switching business cards, it involves building genuine relations based on shared values, interests, advice and mutual respect. You should approach interactions with a genuine interest in others, rather than focusing on just personal gain. People can feel when you are not sincere. Ask questions, and be present.
Make sure your team is diverse
If you’re a chief of staff or director or a senior staffer in a Hill office, keep being deliberate about assembling the best team possible, even as we lead into an election. Make sure the office and your team have people with diverse experiences in their careers, education, identity and backgrounds. This helps to mitigate against group-think and will allow you to be as productive as possible in the time that remains.
Don’t be afraid to disagree
If something doesn’t feel right, “flag” it. You are there to protect and maintain your boss’ reputation. It might be that someone hasn’t looked at an issue a certain way or doesn’t have the same experience or background as you. It is okay to have a different outlook on a strategy than some of your team members. Be open to sharing your viewpoint proudly, while hearing other ideas and perspectives respectfully, and find common ground without escalating tensions.
Have grace in saying the word “no”
You are also a direct reflection of the politician you are working for, as your job is public-facing. Your boss may be focusing on the last part of their mandate and your team has shifted priorities for the last push before the election. That being said, chances are you will have to say the word “no” to many, many people. If you’re in government, this can be to public servants, or for any MP it may mean declining meeting requests from stakeholders, or even pulling your boss from a conversation so they are on time for the next thing. Professionalism from staff helps build confidence in our elected officials across the board, and everyone who works on the Hill has a stake in that.
Have fun and try to be in the moment
Lastly, there will come a time when you leave the Hill — whether it is by your own choice, or following the election. You’ll have long days, you’ll have rough days, but you get to do a pretty remarkable thing by changing the dial on public policy and how the country operates.
This job won’t last forever, take it in. Being a political staffer is one of the most unique jobs to have in this country, and hundreds of people would love to be in the position you are in. Your hard work and dedication are bettering the country for Canadians, and you should be proud of yourself for that!
Marci Surkes is a strategic advisor with the Compass Rose Group and practitioner-in-residence at the Riddell Master’s program in political management at Carleton University. She has spent 15 years working on Parliament Hill.
