Graham Paine/Torstar New MP Adam van Koeverden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are met with hundreds of supporters during a rally in Milton just before the election. FROM OLYMPIAN TO MP VAN KOEVERDEN LOOKS AHEAD TO REPRESENTING MILTON An Olympic gold medal kayaker, Adam van Koever- den made a successful so- journ into politics this fall, unseating three-time in- cumbent and Deputy Lead- er of the Opposition Lisa Raitt as Milton MP. The Toronto Star spoke with a number of promi- nent first-time members of parliament - including 37- year-old van Koeverden - to get their thoughts on the road to political victory and what lies ahead. What's the biggest sac- rifice you made in being here? I was an Olympic athlete and people would say "Wow, you must have made a lot of sacrifices to get to where you are." I don't see life through that lens. I see opportunity in challenges. I know that any new oppor- tunity requires a ton of hard work. What can you do to im- prove the tone of parlia- ment? We should stop talking about team orange, team red, team green and team blue and start talking about Team Canada, be- cause ultimately it's incum- bent upon every single MP, elected official and senator to work together to ensure that Canada is winning. What are you most nervous about? My first time at the Olympics, I wasn't a rookie athlete. I was a good ath- lete. But I am a rookie poli- tician and I'm going into a ~ great big arena. So I know that I have a lot to learn. Whatis the best advice you've gotten about be- ing an MP? To disagree without be- ing disagreeable, to find common ground and to work together to find mutu- al solutions. "Disagreeing without being disagreeable" I think should be a placard on every politician's desk. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR SANTA CLAUS PARADE ANNUAL PARADE RETURNS SUNDAY, NOV. 17 BAMBANG SADEWO bsadewo@metroland.com The annual Milton San- ta Claus Parade is set to re- turn soon. Those who'd like to help Saint Nick kick off the joyous holiday season might want to consider be coming parade volunteers. As listed on the website, these are the available po- sitions: « Traffic marshals » Parade marshals « Band marshals + Float marshals » Banner carriers End-of-parade shals mar Interested individuals are expected to complete the volunteer ertry form online. You have to register no later than Now. 10. As for the Santa Claus parade, it runs on Sunday, Nov. 17 from 1:30 to about 3:30 p.m. along Main Street starting at Whitmer Street and finishing at the Milton GO Station. If you'd like more infor- mation about the parade and volunteering, visit the website at miltonsantapa- rade.ca or email volun- teer.miltonsantapa- rade@gmail.com. GORRUD'S AUTO PROUDLY SERVING MILTON SINCE 1960 WE WANT YOUR VEHICLE EVEN IF YOU DON'T WANT ONE OF OURS | For over 60 years Gorrud's has prided itself on delivering quality vehicles to our customers. Many of these vehicles are purchased from local residents who maintain their vehicles to the very high standard Gorrud's was built on. | If your vehicle is in nice condition and you know its service history, we want it and are prepared to pay a premium for it whether you buy a vehicle from us or not. See us today or visit us online for a written, guaranteed appraisal. = 2 \ Mitton District MARE resital Foundation GORRUD'S AUTOS A PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE MILTON DISTRICT HOSPITAL FOUNDATION & COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE Awe)? INDUSTRY LEADING | f \, Re CONSUMER Wo ay the LOYALTY PROGRAM \ SArmacnion MyAutoRewards.ca > - Wo wee emu WWW.GORRUDS.COM 6102 'L 18quanon 'Aepsiny | uoidweyn uejpeuR? UoYIW c Woo uojjeyapisul