With A Friend Learning to adjust to life on the Hill From power dressing to hunting for suitable digs, it's no easy task for new MPs to become schooled in the Ottawa way of life, Patricia Bailey discovers. Avoid the open-toed shoe.
Sandals are flaky.
Power clothing doesn't include open-toed shoes. But her fashion confidence withered after seeing the spectacular presentation of a high-powered, elegant female communications lawyer at a CRTC hearing. I think she was from Montreal. To the delight of public relations consultants and journalists, fresh blood is on its way to Ottawa in the form of nearly four dozen neophyte MPs. As they hit town, these newcomers spur a flutter of activity around the Hill as they attempt to find lodging, hire image consultants, and buy enough suitably dull clothing to wear in the limestone halls of Parliament.