Cowichan Valley MLA Bill Routley had a very special task on Dec. 9 during a Christmas party for building staff and their families at the Legislature in Victoria.
Routley was this year's "Member from the North Pole" for 72 children and took much delight in doling out gifts to the wide-eyed bunch during the festivities.
"It was so much fun to do," he said.
A staffer from the Office of the Speaker said the annual party is a hit with the kids.
"There's a child-sized table with chips and Cheezies and candy canes and all sorts of stuff like that and we do crafts for them too," she said. "It's a great time. It's a really nice event. The kids have a great time."
Routley's own daughter, Alisha Haldorson, and his grandchildren Gabriel, Peter and Mya were on hand at the event to welcome their special Santa, making it an extra special day for the familiar-looking Big Guy in the red suit.