In 1997, then rookie NDP MP Peter Stoffer was a bit surprised that Christmas parties on Parliament Hill were segregated affairs by party. The Liberals held theirs here, the Conservatives held their's there and so on. So Peter went out and bought a $1,000 worth of booze and chips, slipped notes under the doors of MPs and let everyone know there'd be an all–party party. Well, Stoffer's initiative paid off in spades.
Other MPs chipped in with party supplies and cash and now, Stoffer's All-Party Party has become one of the most popular events every year on the Hill and raises thousands for a good cause. This year, Stoffer says the All-Party Party should raise between $6,000 and $7,000 for The Leukemia Society.
The money mostly comes from sales of booze at the cash bar. A few hundred staffers, mostly young people who work for the politicians, attend and I'm embarrassed that I don't enough of them by name. Resolution for next year: Get to know more young, political staffers. Stoffer also hits up MPs for a $50 donation, whether they plan to attend or not. A little more than 200 MPs responded to Stoffer's call.
Here's some pics:
A couple of Quebecers: That's your (Montreal-born) correspondent with Bloc Quebecois MP Claude Bachand, his party's defence critic.
Nova Scotia NDP MP Peter Stoffer is master-of-ceremonies of his All-Party Party.
MIchael Ignatieff lets his staff out! From left, OLO staffers Christina Richard, Nina Haugh, Mike O'Shaughnessy, and J.F. Del Torchio.
It's kinda hard to top a guy in red serge playing a banjo — unless you're a guy in red serge playing a drum.
Are these guys ready to run the country? Of course, they are! From left, NDP press secretary Jesse Brady, MP Charlie Angus aide Jeremy Huws, and NDP Senior Press Secretary Karl Belanger.
Check out the rest of the photo album.
Nice to see you all havin a good time, while the economy crashes and the average guy and gal are worried about their homes and jobs
keep up the great posts
Hey buzzkill!
I expect a large number of the staff (this includes ALL staff you nattering nabob, cafeteria, security, janitorial) share the same concerns. And it's for charity. Wow you are indeed a wanker.
This is from the invitation:
“The All Party Party is a celebration which stands to honour House of Commons, Senate, Library of Parliament and RCMP employees who assist in teh daily running our Canadian Parliament.”
At the three events I've been to, all party leaders attend for at least a portion of the affair and often make a speech thanking the staff for their work. And, though he did not attend this year (or at least he didn't while I was there), I believe Conservative leader Stephen Harper has attended, possibly in his first or second year as prime minister.