LETTER

Public letter from MP Greg Fergus

Some days are better than others

 

I knew it was going to be a long day when a constituent who was meeting with me took out a list that had more than 20 items on it (!) – each representing a separate point describing in great detail how I am failing in my duties of a Member of Parliament, as well as the many ways the government to which I belong could not do anything right. No one likes being criticized, but a 22-point list took me to a new place. The number of complaints generated in me a form of detachment. Simply put, I tuned out.

I’m telling you this story to make the point that even I, a Member of Parliament, can fall victim to what I consider the cardinal sin of public service: listening only to things that I want to hear.

I believe that serving you in Parliament is not merely a job, it is a call to serve. And if I am to serve you well in this role, I need to always be engaged, ready to listen, especially the residents of Hull-Aylmer. Well, at that particular time, I wasn’t. When I realized that I was not actively listening to what the constituent had to say – ignoring the deeper concerns expressed – I snapped to attention.

Many changes going on in our society were upsetting this person, who worried about how they would affect our country and culture. Why, this constituent asked, would the government permit these changes to the familiar rather than fight to preserve what we have now?

I appreciate that this person took the time to raise these points with me. And if I don’t pay attention to these concerns, I would not be making room for opinions different from mine. And that could lead that person to conclude that it is not worth getting involved. Disengagement of citizens from expressing their views to others would be a true loss to our democracy.  

This is crucial for me as a politician. I need to hear a wide diversity of political opinions to represent you well. But this duty isn’t only mine. It is also yours. It falls upon all of us to remain open to others, to listen, and to engage with their ideas. Every day, we are confronted with ideas and values which differ from our own. You don’t have to embrace those different ideas, but I call on you to remain open to listening to others. This openness is at the heart of our democracy. Frankly, it is at the centre of living well in society.

As we see the effects of polarization both at home and abroad, I am more and more convinced that we need to exchange ideas and debate in a respectful manner with those who hold different points of view. We must include people who are or were shunned by others in our public conversations. Like anything we learn to do well, it takes time to develop the skill to join in these kinds of discussions. So please be patient with those who say something that may strike you as brash or strident; help them learn to learn how to reasonably and truthfully express their views.

This is what I hope to achieve in all of the events that I organize as your MP, whether they be town halls, open doors at my constituency offices, youth councils, summer BBQs, jogging dates, or simply talking on the bus or on the street. I feel immensely privileged to be a part of so many conversations with such a large diversity of people. I encourage you to attend, meet and discuss with your fellow neighbours. I will also be door-knocking throughout the summer to hear what is on your mind.

As always, I remain available if there are any particular issues you would like to bring to my attention. Together, we can improve the quality of life both within our riding and within the country as a whole. Looking forward to speaking with you!

Be good
Greg Fergus
MP for Hull-Aylmer
Aylmer