Education Matters Online

 

In the January 23 federal election, triple history was made in the London-Fanshawe riding: for the first time a woman, a New Democrat and a member of OSSTF was elected in the riding - all three, of course, being our very own Irene Mathyssen!

This means that Irene is on leave from her duties teaching English at Banting SS so she can carry through with her pre-election declaration that she has "a lesson plan for Ottawa!" The tough part for District 11 is that we are losing not just a dedicated and talented teacher, but also a Banting Branch President, a member of District 11 PAC, a delegate to the London and District Labour Council, an AMPA delegate, and much more.

Irene's "lesson plan for Ottawa" will involve helping the 29 person NDP Caucus hold the new government to account, and making sure that our minority government will pursue the sort of progressive measures reflected by the "NDP budget" last spring. A majority focus for Irene will be her two critic portfolios, housing and women's issues.

"I couldn't have gotten two areas closer to my heart than these," said Mathyssen. "The last government-sponsored affordable housing built in London was under the provincial NDP government I served in. There's much work to be done, and I can't wait to get started. And eight of our twelve new NDP MP's are women, bringing our caucus total to 41%. What a supportive environment to pursue real gains for women."

A major feature of Irene's successful campaign was the high degree of involvement by youth. "We had university, college and high school students all playing important roles. The most gratifying to me was that a former student in my grade 11 English class, Rob Hepburn, was one of our core team. Rob is finishing his fourth year studies in Political Science at King's College, but found time to do an amazing job of enlisting volunteers and helping co-ordinate our campaign. I should mention also that another vital campaign role, Office Manager, was filled by my grade 10 English teacher, Margot Laird, who retired a few years back as librarian at Saunders SS."

Also bringing a District 11 flavour to Irene's campaign was my involvement as Irene's Campaign Manager, and the key contributions and support of FSO Colleen Canon, former District President Peter Chapman, and provincial vice-president Ken Coran. "My union came through for big time", said Irene. "The District organized a wonderful fundraiser and rally for me at the Ceeps, and many of my colleagues volunteered to help in the campaign. Everyone in the District Office offered unwavering support and encouragement. It takes a team to win elections, and District 11 was a key part of mine."

And the future? "I've been to Ottawa twice so far, and I can't wait to get to work with our NDP caucus. They're full of energy and optimism, and we're committed to making a real difference. My constituency office is running at full steam in temporary quarters, and we have already dealt with dozens of constituents' concerns. This is what I got elected to do."

So, District 11 congratulates Irene on her groundbreaking achievement, and eagerly awaits reports of the effects of her "lesson plans" on London-Fanshawe and Ottawa. Stay tuned!