The Windsor International Writers Conference is underway in Windsor.
Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus performed at Phog Lounge in downtown Windsor to kick off the event.
Angus — who's also a published author — tells AM800 the arts is a springboard for some of the most influential people in the world.
"To me this is grass roots and this is where the future leaders of our country come from whether it's in arts of politics," he says.
He says music and writing have translated into every aspect of his life.
"I cut my teeth as a musician, I was playing Windsor and touring in a band when we were about 18 years old," says Angus. "I think arts are really important, art tells stories, arts engage people and there's a huge political element to creativity, arts and writing."
While his visit to Windsor has been about music and literature, the politian says the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and Canada has been the topic of many conversations, especially in a border city.
"A community that was based on trade, based on those close relations with the United States, who understands Americans really well," he says. "I think the Windsor perspective is really important for us to hear across the country right now because this is certainly one of the front lines of it."
The writers conference wraps up Sunday.
Timmons James Bay MP Charlie Angus performs as part of an Windsor International Writers Conference event @PhogLounge. #cklw pic.twitter.com/PJ89JXKszg
— Gord Bacon (@baconAM800) July 5, 2018