Summer a busy time for Oxford MP Arpan Khanna

Jeff Helsdon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Although it’s unofficially called summer recess, time in the riding during the summer is anything but relaxing for Oxford MP Arpan Khanna.

The House of Commons broke for the summer on June 19 and resumed sitting on Monday. Khanna uses his time in the riding to engage constituents, and his newsletter shows that he is busy attending events.

“The number one thing I believe and hold close in my heart is I’m a public servant,” he said. “Oxford residents are my bosses and chose for me to be there.”

Khanna’s day starts at 6 a.m. with reading the news to see if he missed anything. He meets with his team at 9 a.m. to discuss any issues he faces. Then, Khanna hits the road, going to community events, touring and meeting with businesses, meeting with community leaders and groups, and talking to his constituents. His goal is to hear from residents.

“I can’t do a good job hearing your voice if I don’t,” he said.

Khanna also sets time aside to deal with case work. Although his staff work on assisting Oxford residents with federal issues such as Employment Insurance, passports, matters with the Canada Revenue Agency, immigration and others, the MP also lends a hand.

At the end of the day, he talks to his Ottawa staff about issues that have come up there.

“Every day is different,” he said. “You meet new people every day and face new challenges.”

Although some politicians don't call their constituents back personally, Khanna is not one of them. Many residents have been surprised to have left a message and have their MP phone back personally. Khanna said his cell phone number is “out there” and he does his best to return calls himself. He also sets a couple of time slots a week to call constituents from a list his staff prepares.

Locally, Khanna has hosted Appy Hour, an outreach event at the Carriage Hall, with appetizers and coffee, this July. His staff also have a pop-up clinic at the Livingston Centre once per month.

“Sometimes it’s hard for Tillsonburg residents to drive to Woodstock so we have a pop-up clinic,” he said.

There have been meetings with several local businesses, with the BIA and the mayor.

With Parliament resuming this week, Khanna is still in the riding on Fridays and the weekend, attending events and reaching out to the community. In between, he tries to set aside time for his wife and young family.

“It’s not a job, it’s a calling,” he said.