This one of a series of articles, as part of the feature called "Helpers", which focuses on people and organizations that help make our community better.
This time we focus on the people who will help anyone - regardless of political affiliation - to navigate the many federal and provincial programs and regulations that can sometimes seem overwhelming to some members of the public.
Micheline Bedard is the Executive Assistant at Federal MP Anthony Rota's local constituency office at 375 Main Street West.
Andrea Stoppa is also an Executive Assistant, at the local constituency office for Nipissing's Provincial MPP Vic Fedeli, at 219 Main Street East.
Both oversee similar sized teams of 3 to 4 staff.
Both also stress that they work in constituency offices, which means they work on behalf of the entire constituency. That means they are ready to help anyone and everyone they can, regardless of a person's political affiliation or preference.
"In what we do for the public, the whole philosophy is to separate party and politics from serving the public. We're here to help anyone who is a little bit lost in navigating the system. We're here to help anyone with anything to do with an Ontario government issue," says Stoppa.
Bedard echoes that sentiment in what she and her team do for people needing federal help.
Meanwhile, what's been keeping them busy has changed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the federal side, Bedard explains that while there are many things they help with, traditionally many inquiries related to passport issues, general Employment Insurance issues, and CPP questions from seniors. Those questions still came in, but now the COVID situation has added a whole new dimension.
"Many people have had questions about CERB - the Canada Emergency Response Benefit - aimed at helping people impacted by COVID. Everything from where they apply to how they should apply. We're also hearing from businesses large and small looking into funding programs and many need help to get pointed in the right direction," adds Bedard.
People have many new questions on the provincial end of things as well, related to things like what was deemed essential, and the phases of reopening in North Bay, Nipissing, and across Ontario.
Both offices had staff working the phones and email from home throughout the pandemic, and both saw an increase in requests.
"We've always been busy, but there's no question that the volume of calls has gone up considerably during the pandemic. We're working as hard as we can to assist everyone and get them the guidance they need," explains Stoppa.
Stoppa adds one thing they've been able to do to accommodate the public is to create an online resource that is updated with all of the provincial and federal support available for both Ontario citizens and businesses. You can find it here.
Both agree that the most satisfying part of what they do is helping someone who may not have even realized help is available to them.
"Some people only learn we're here to help when they already feel lost and at the end of their rope, and seeing them get some help is truly rewarding," says Stoppa.
Bedard adds "We do get positive feedback when people truly appreciate the help, and it means the world. There are times I get emotional, to see someone so desperate get the resolution they deserve."
The best way to connect for help these days is likely to start with a call. You can reach MP Rota's office at 705-474-3700. If you need provincial assistance, call 705-474-8340 to connect with MPP Fedeli's office.
