Volume 96, Issue 21
Thursday October 3, 2002
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Student politician takes Stornoway
By Emmett
Macfarlane
Gazette Staff
Western alumnus Ray Novak, runner-up in the 2000 University Students' Council presidential elections, is now a relatively big-time player in the world of federal politics.
Novak is currently employed as executive assistant to the leader of the Official Opposition, Stephen Harper of the Canadian Alliance party.
"It's been really exciting and things are improving, which makes it a lot easier to get out of bed in the morning," Novak said.
After graduating from Western with a degree in political science, Novak headed to the University of Calgary to pursue a Masters degree. While in Calgary, he got involved in research with the National Citizens' Coalition, where he met Stephen Harper, then president of the non-profit, political organization, Novak explained.
During the fall of 2001, Novak was heavily involved in Harper's leadership campaign for the Canadian Alliance. "I was based in Calgary. I did pretty much all of the event organizing," Novak said.
Following Harper's victory, Novak followed him to Ottawa. "It was actually quite interesting being [in Ottawa] during the first few months of his leadership," he said.
"You get to dabble in everything," Novak explained.
"I usually go wherever [Harper] goes," he said, adding his tasks range from scheduling, sitting in on meetings and seeing how policy is developed.
Novak said his experience at Western helped him prepare for his current position.
Experience in extra-curricular activities, such as a stint as a USC councillor, as well as his presidential candidacy, also helped, Novak added.
"The biggest opportunity you have as an undergrad is to really get involved. You really don't get that opportunity [after graduating]," Novak said.
He added he sees a bright future for the party, adding internal strife and party debt are thing in the Canadian Alliance's past.
In terms of Ottawa living arrangements, Novak said he now resides in a one-bedroom apartment above the garage at the Stornaway residence – the traditional home of the leader of the Opposition.
"[It] has its challenges and also its rewards," he added.