Trudeau’s MPs sent back to their ridings to remind people of their greatest hits

OTTAWA— As Liberal MPs spend this week in their ridings, they are tasked with reminding Canadians what they have done since the last election as they start boosting their efforts to convince voters they deserve to stay.

The co-ordinated blitz will involve visits to local businesses and schools, pitches at the doorstep, MPs serving customers at the local café and, of course, a centrally approved social media hashtag.

So far, 130 of the 181 Liberal MPs have agreed to take part in what they are calling a national week of action, being described as the largest mobilization of caucus since the 2015 federal election.

“It’s focused on making sure we go home with one message,” said Liberal MP Ruby Sahota (Brampton North), the Ontario caucus chair.

The planned parade of the Liberals’ greatest hits, where you can expect to hear a lot about the Canada Child Benefit, is meant to mark the midway point of the four-year mandate.

“I think a midway point is always a good time to step back and reflect,” Sahota said. “What promises have we been able to keep? Which ones do we still have to work at?”

The campaign will have a high participation rate, but several MPs noted that spending time with constituents is just part of what they would be doing on any other week back in the riding.

“People don’t need to tell me I need to breathe in and breathe out,” said Montreal MP Nicola Di Iorio (StLéonard—St-Michel).

Toronto MP Rob Oliphant said he has the feeling the party leadership is paying a little more attention to what is happening this week than usual.

“They are certainly, for some reason, seeming this week to feel anxious,” said Oliphant (Don Valley West), adding that some staffers think MPs need to be encouraged to do their jobs.

“I just say I am doing my constituency work the way I always do it.”