Few others would know just how tough Macleod MP Ted Menzies’ job has been in the past couple years.

As federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty’s parliamentary secretary, Flaherty knows it hasn’t been easy.

“We’ve been so busy in the last few years with the economic crisis, the financial crisis, the economic action plan and all of these things that have to go to the finance committee and he’s the point man there as well,” said Flaherty. “His time is hugely occupied.”

Macleod MP Ted Menzies speaks in the House of Commons. Menzies was was recently recognized by his fellow MPs as the hardest working Member of Parliament.

It’s something not overlooked in the House of Commons.

Menzies was recently honoured by his fellow MPs as the hardest working Member of Parliament. The award is sponsored by Maclean’s magazine and voted on by all Members of Parliament.

“He certainly deserves it, he has support around the House of Commons, multi-party support,” said Flaherty.

He said Menzies is always well prepared for whatever he is dealing with and one of his greatest strengths is his good-natured personality.

Menzies has also built a good reputation internationally, said Flaherty.

“He gets along very well with the diplomatic corps in Ottawa and travels a lot for finance, for me as well to the OECD in Europe a couple weeks ago,” he said.

Menzies was first elected as Macleod MP in 2004, a demanding enough job on its own representing a riding larger than the province of Prince Edward Island.

Menzies credits his background in agriculture for his work ethic.

“It’s the farm boy in me,” he said.

A typical work day is a long one for Menzies, usually starting with a run at 5:30 a.m. before arriving at his office by 6 a.m. He doesn’t usually get home until late in the evening and often, said Menzies, MPs will be in the House of Commons until midnight.

He also has a busy travel schedule. Not only does he often travel back and forth between Ottawa and his home outside Claresholm on weekends, but he has criss-crossed the country and traveled abroad for various meetings since first being elected to office.

According to Menzies, all MPs work hard, which makes the award more meaningful.

“That’s what makes it quite flattering is it is a vote by all of my peers, not just Conservatives,” he said. “Many Bloc (Quebecois) members come up to me and say I voted for you, many NDPs say I voted for you.”

To anyone watching question period, with all the yelling and booing it can at times appear parliamentarians of different political stripes are more adversaries than colleagues.

It’s a part of the “theatrics” of question period, said Menzies, adding relationships between MPs are often much more respectful. Menzies said Bloc Quebecois Finance critic Danielle Paillé will often, after firing a barrage of questions his way, follow it with a wry wink from across the aisle.

“I wish more people were able to see that side, the debates that people see in the House of Commons are not what happens 24-7 down here by any means,” he said.

Menzies explained building relationships with people on both sides of the house is part of the negotiation skills he has needed to hone being part of a minority government. With his work on finance issues he said it’s been an important part of his work to garner support from other parties on the budget.

In the end, Menzies said it helps he enjoys his work and, as long as he does, he doesn’t see himself slowing down.

“As long as I enjoy it I don’t see myself quitting,” he said. “That will be the choice of my constituents.”

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