Ottawa bus trip proves memorable adventure
A couple of weeks ago, along with other fellow seniors from the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region, I took part in a memorable bus trip to Ottawa and the Parliament buildings. The echoes and sweet memories linger still.
Beautifully organized by the diligent staff in MP Peter Schiefke’s constituency office, the voyage was designed to give older residents the opportunity of touring our Parliament buildings, a visit that included glimpses into the Senate chambers and discussion-time within the House of Commons.
For most of us, this fresh opportunity to experience an old and precious treasure, Canada’s Parliament, what Ruth Pelletier, past president of Seniors Action Quebec calls, “my government,” was precious.
Hudson’s Gwen Periard was overjoyed. “It’s a trip I’ve always wanted to take and never have,” she enthused. “I could hardly wait.”
Upon arrival, we disembarked in time to view the Changing of the Guard, a daily re-enactment of a centuries-old military drill, replete with scarlet tunics, bearskin hats, and rifles — and accompanied by full military band and a cohort of pipes and drums.
For the visit itself, we were placed into three groups, each provided with its own student guide, one of many drawn from all parts of Canada. And did they know their stuff!
Our guide, a young woman from Vancouver, was excellent, fully holding our attention as we absorbed the vast array of portraits, landscapes and sculptures that have dotted Parliament’s walls since forever.
Her fund of knowledge and the enthusiasm she displayed in recounting the arcane history behind these objects had at least some of us ready to hit the classroom and teach Grade 9 history all over again.
As value added, Schiefke merrily joined in on the tours, crossing from group to group and chatting up both the guides and the guided.
Of all the stunning artifacts
and manicured walls on view, for many of us, the breathtakingly glorious Parliamentary Library stands apart as a work of art, sans pareil.
Then it was off to lunch, courtesy of our host MP, or Peter, as many had begun to call him, followed by an unexpected visit back to the House of Commons, this time right into the chamber, where our Honourable Member spoke about Parliament and its many roles, and invited questions accordingly. There were many.
At one point, a fellow traveller arose and, tongue-in-cheek, in very parliamentary language, asked the Honourable Member from Vaudreuil-Soulanges to comment on the proposed hospital planned for our constituency.
Which he did, with equal formality. Pointing out that while health care is under provincial jurisdiction our member replied he has been assured by the local MNAs that all was in place and proceeding as scheduled. We all cheered!
And with that our formal visit ended. A couple of “free-time” hours later, the buses returned and took us home, energized but worn out.
I leave the last word to an unnamed tour colleague, who told Jennifer Frezza, our MP’s communications director, even as the tears welled-up, “Thank you for this gift: this was one of the most remarkable days of my life.”
She’s not the only one.
And yes, plans are already underway for another seniors’ trek to Ottawa next summer.
If considering a visit to Parliament, go now. The Centre Block is soon to be shut down for major renovations, with Parliament moving temporarily into the West Block.