Hamilton Mountain MP Lisa Hepfner settling in to her new job

Lisa Hepfner is still amazed by it all.

The veteran journalist, elected Liberal MP for Hamilton Mountain last September, said assuming elected office has been a bit of whirlwind, but an enjoyable one.

They call it drinking from the firehose," said Hepfner during Parliament's winter/holiday break. There's a lot to learn, but it's been fascinating and inspiring and really exciting and fun."

Learning the inner workings of Parliament isn't the only thing Hepfner has to be mindful of.

She noted being part of a minority government means she won't be going very far from Parliament Hill when the House of Commons resumes sitting Jan. 31.

If the House is in session, you have to be by your phone at all times (in case of a vote)," said Hepfner, who added MPs can participate virtually thanks to a new phone app.

The former CHCH TV news reporter said she found the hyper partisanship of Question Period a bit surprising, adding it is much more boisterous that it appears on television.

I don't know if I was really prepared for that during Question Period - the shouting and the screaming matches," said Hepfner, who noted she often wears the earpiece at her desk in the House during the daily session so she can hear what's being said.

The rookie MP said she is a member of the Ethics and Heritage committees and she plans to dip into to her 20 years of journalism experience to help get amendments to the Broadcasting Act (Bill C-10) through the House once again.

Passed by the House last year, the bill did not get through the Senate and died on the order paper when the September election was called.

Despite the perceived partisanship, especially during Question Period, Hepfner said she believes the minority government can work with MPs from all parties.

I think there's an indication of that," said Hepfner, who pointed to the unanimous support in the House last December of a Conservative motion to fast-track passage of a government bill that would ban conversion therapy for LGBTQ Canadians.

I feel like people work together well," said Hepfner, who noted she remains on friendly terms with Hamilton Centre NDP MP Matthew Green who she has known for many years. It's not just me who has friends on the other side of the aisle. A lot of (MPs) make connections and really want to work for the people of Canada."

Back in the riding, Hepfner said her office staff have been busy helping people with a variety of issues ranging from employment insurance to helping find someone a wheelchair.

She said in cases where the issue is not a federal government-related matter, her staff will refer the constituent to the appropriate level of government or agency that can help them.

Since Jan. 6 Hepfner said her staff have cleared 269 cases or requests for assistance.

Following the election, Hepfner told Hamilton Community News she will push for federal funding for a north-south transportation system connecting the John C. Munro-Hamilton International Airport with the West Harbour Go station on James Street North.

The Mountain MP said that issue remains a priority.

In terms of speaking with my colleagues about prioritizing funding for local transit and speaking with local politicians about what's needed, what can be we afford, what's the timeline look like, definitely those conversations are happening," she said.