Candice Hoeppner has gained more attention in the past few weeks than some MPs garner in a lifetime on Parliament Hill. Her private members’ bill, taking long guns out of the Canadian Firearms Registry, has proved to be one of those rare issues that crosses party lines.

The rookie Conservative MP from Portage-Lisgar in Manitoba not only secured the support of every Conservative MP for her bill, but also managed to bring 12 New Democrats, eight Liberals, and one independent onside as well.

Supporters say Hoeppner’s efforts demonstrate how vicious partisanship can be overcome when the right issue comes along. Critics say she’s exploiting rural Canadian MPs, fearful of losing their seats over this issue.

I recent asked Candice Hoeppner “Three Questions” over lunch in the Parliamentary Dining Room in Ottawa.

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Steve Paikin: Most private members’ bills go absolutely nowhere and die an anonymous death. Yours has not only defied those odds, but has managed to get support from opposition members as well. Why do you think so?

Candice Hoeppner: It was just luck. At the beginning of every session, we draw lots to see what order bills will be considered and I drew #38. Pretty high up the list. And I thought I could sell this. I believe in it. I bring a different voice to the whole issue. It’s not just a gun issue. It’s a justice issue. I don’t even own a gun. It’s about not making law-abiding citizens into criminals.

SP: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in moving your bill through the House of Commons?

CH: I’ve had a crash course in building relationships between the parties. I had to get support from the opposition parties. It comes down to relationships in every field in life. Politics is no different. This isn’t about a partisan issue. As a new MP, I enjoy crossing the aisle to talk with members of the opposition. I hope to be here a long time and this happens more than you’d realize. There are good people on every side. They care about the country and their constituents and many of us recognize that.

SP: You’re married with three children. How do you like living in two cities?

CH: Other than being a mother, this has been the most enjoyable year of my life. I have a great riding to represent. There are a lot of people of faith. They don’t wait for the government to do things for them. They just get it done.

I didn’t get into politics for the short term. And no, my life isn’t normal, but there is no ‘normal life’ for anyone anymore. But I do go home after my committee work is done. We have breaks during the year, for example, during Remembrance Day week. It’s not quite as bad as you think. I spend weekends with my family and still manage to get to a bunch of events in my riding.

When I’m in Ottawa, I talk to my children every day, probably more than when I’m actually at home.