Chatham, ON - Dave Van Kesteren enjoys the occasional cup of coffee; however the Member of Parliament for Chatham-Kent Essex can foresee litres more of the beverage in his near future.  “It`s an important part of the job,” explained Van Kesteren. “When you meet with people the natural thing to do is have a coffee, not to mention I do something called ‘Coffee and Tea with the M.P.’ so I only have myself to blame.” The M.P. is continuing his coffee shop visits throughout the month as a way to receive feedback from constituents. 

Van Kesteren also has roundtables planned with local agriculture stakeholders and the Chatham Chamber of Commerce.  “Meeting with these groups allows me to gain valuable information, which then I can take back to Ottawa at the end of the month,” said Van Kesteren. “With a budget on the horizon it is always good to touch base with important sectors in our area.”  Along with the roundtables the M.P. is touring local manufacturing companies to speak one on one with owners and managers about their current economic situation.  “We have the best entrepreneurs in the world, I always want to make myself available to them, and encourage them to continue the excellent work they do.”  

However it won’t be all business during the break from Ottawa, as the Member of Parliament plans on visiting a number of schools and retirement homes during the month of January.  “I get a kick out of talking with students, answering their questions and hopefully shedding some light on what a M.P. does,” said Van Kesteren. “As for the retirement homes though, that’s where I go to learn a thing or two.”