A dinner and party open to the public was held at the Lamplighter Inn hotel to highlight the many accomplishments of long-time Member of Parliament for London Fanshawe, Irene Mathyssen .
Mathyssen is 67 and would be going on 68 in the next federal election period. She felt now was the right time to retire. Mathyssen reflected on her time as an MP for London Fanshawe and explained the highs of her political career as a whole.
“The people that I had the opportunity to work with. I worked with Jack Layton, I worked with Ed Broadbent, and Alexa McDonough in a caucus of people who are dedicated, determined, and were absolutely true. We all focused on the topics that people matter, that they should be treated with dignity, compassion, respect, and that MP’s and Parliaments truly work for the people of this country.”
She is the first female and the first NDP Member of Parliament for London Fanshawe. She explains how much of an honour it has been to have been given the opportunity to represent such a great community.
“This community has been so generous to me. They helped, supported, and encouraged me all the way. They are the most remarkable people from the veterans and the seniors, to the hard working families, to the students, to all that is going on in this riding, it is the people that make the difference.”
Mathyssen has served more than 13 years as a Member of Parliament for London. Now that she is retiring, she will have a lot of time on her hands. Mathyssen wants to have a little bit of fun time but has plans to keep her connections and do some industry work on the side.
Irene Mathyssen and her daughter Lindsay
“Well I’m gonna do a little bit of resting, a little bit of travelling. But, people in groups have already tapped me on the shoulder so I’m sure that there will be all kinds of opportunities for me to do volunteer work, and whatever comes along in terms of where I am needed.”
Mathyssen says she should not have to do too much work though if her daughter is elected in her position. Lindsay Mathyssen will be campaigning for Irene’s position come the Federal Elections in October. Lindsay has always been proud of her mother and wanted to follow in her footsteps.
“I can’t even express into words sometimes of how proud I am of her. People approach me all the time and say, “if you’re half the woman your mother is, you’re going to do fabulously.” That quote just speaks volumes to my potential. She’s been a mentor and role model to so many people, but especially to me.”
Lindsay has always seen her mother give back to the community the way she does and explains that is one of the reasons why she wants to get in the political business.
“I’ve seen this in being active politically with my mother but also on my own, how much people really give to their community and they do it in all kinds of different ways. Whether it’s volunteering on their kids’ soccer team, cubs, girl guides, their church fundraising for a charity. Whatever it is, you name it, people give in so many ways and that all comes together. Having my mom as a Member of Parliament has been my family’s way of giving back and I’ve lived it for a really long time so this is what I want to do as well.”
Irene was elected provincially in 1990 and then federally in 2006. Last year, she announced that she would not be seeking a fifth term for re-election. Lindsay will have a shot at taking over MP for London Fanshawe on Federal Election Day of October 21.
