The House of Commons is central to government, and since I first came to Ottawa in 1993, I’ve participated in debates that focussed on some of our nation’s most critical issues. I’ve helped pass and/or defeat legislation that affects my constituency and all Canadians. I’ve worked on issues that will make our history books—and even helped make it happen.

Being present in the House rotates between MP’s, but all MPs must attend the daily Question Period , when Opposition MP’s (primarily) question the government on any and every detail of legislation and issues pertaining to our country. The pace is fast, and designed for the media.

Numerous caucuses meet on the Hill. The illHhhi Saskatchewan Caucus, made up of Saskatchewan MPs meets at eight on Wednesday mornings to discuss issues concerning our province—agriculture, forestry and mining, for example. The National Conservative Caucus meets for 2 ½ hours on the same morning.

I also founded and co-chair the Outdoors Caucus, a non-partisan group of MPs whose goal is to protect the Canadian heritage activities of hunting, fishing, sport shooting and trapping.

Parliamentary committees, which meet from 4 to 40 hours per week, take up much of my time. A list of the committees I’ve served on in the past two decades would fill another column. Currently, I serve as co-chair of one of the most crucial and powerful government committees, the Scrutiny of Regulations committee.

After committees adjourn, I meet with people wanting to discuss their issues with me.

Considerable government work gets done at luncheons and receptions—the most recent a luncheon with the Canada Germany Parliamentary Association, which informed us about European issues, the state of our free trade agreement, and the possibilities of increased trade between our countries.

Most MP’s, like myself, often eat on the fly. Just as while travelling, we snatch any available time outside of meetings to research issues, read briefs, confer with staff, inform ourselves on legislation before the House, or prepare a speech to make in the House.

My Hill office sits at the bottom of the Hill. Around 7:30 p.m. I return there for a few hours to handle correspondence, and return calls to constituents and others. Around 9:30-10, I’ll walk back to my apartment.

I became an MP to make a difference in the world for my children and grandchildren. I’ve been privileged to affect some of those differences. But a new generation of youth have grown up since I became an MP. I want them to know that that no matter your vocation, if you stick with it long enough, if you do it with integrity and diligence, one day you’ll look over your shoulder and say, as I do, with gratitude and humility: I came. I stayed. And because of that, things are different.

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The audio version of Garry's February 20, 2012 op-ed column can be heard by clicking here