Scott McCord: the unsung hero of travel

The rumours are sadly true. Legendary former conservative political staffer turned travel agent extraordinaire, Scott McCord, is retiring. And for those who claim they've never had the pleasure of knowing or working with Scott—who are we kidding? If you've worked in Ottawa, you know Scott McCord. Every nation has its secret ace up its sleeve—a hidden strength that sets it apart, be it a cutting-edge intelligence network, a formidable military, masterful diplomacy, or a powerhouse economy. For Canada, regardless of which party has held power, that secret weapon has always been McCord and the team at McCord Travel. McCord is the kind of person who can navigate the labyrinth of Ottawa’s political landscape with the same finesse he uses to book a last-minute flight out of a snowstorm. Known as the "wizard of travel" among Hill insiders, McCord’s reputation in Ottawa is legendary. He's the guy who can rearrange your entire itinerary while you're in Question Period, fix a delayed flight with a single phone call, and still have time to remind you to pack an umbrella and give you hell for being so disorganized. Sharan Kaur is a former deputy chief of staff and director of operations to former finance minister Bill Morneau. Photograph courtesy of Sharan Kaur Politicians across party lines whisper his name with reverence, knowing that McCord’s magic touch has saved many from travel disasters. He's more than a travel agent—he's the quiet hero who keeps the city’s movers and shakers moving, often without them even realizing the strings he's pulling behind the scenes. Whether it's rebooking a flight or offering a listening ear during a particularly rough patch, McCord is the rare gem in Ottawa's often chaotic world. When I first crossed paths with McCord in 2015 upon arriving in Ottawa, I pegged him as a prickly pear I wanted to steer clear of. His quick, abrupt phone calls and stern emails during that first week left me thoroughly perplexed. Little did I know how wrong I was. I quickly learned that McCord would become my most frequent call in Ottawa, the one who’d call me out on my nonsense, handle my wildest requests, and, most importantly, become a trusted confidant and friend. In an era dominated by DIY travel booking sites and apps, the role of a travel agent might seem like a relic. But anyone who’s had the privilege of working with McCord knows that he’s anything but. He’ll never brag or take credit—and he’ll probably hate me for saying this—but there are only a few things that can delay a plane from leaving the gate on time: Mother Nature, mechanical issues, and Scott McCord. That pretty much sums up the influence he has wielded over the travel industry in Canada. Politicians of all stripes—past and present—have relied on his expertise for years to ensure they get from point A to point B on time. McCord isn’t just any travel agent; he’s a master of the craft. With a sharp eye for detail and a knack for creating seamless travel experiences, he has earned his place as a trusted adviser, reliable partner, and often a dear friend to his clients. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a multi-week international adventure, McCord’s expertise guarantees that every aspect of your journey is meticulously planned, personalized and flawlessly executed. For me, he has been like an insurance policy—whether I’m stranded in the Middle East trying to fly out with the stray cat I found, or in China for the G20 with the minister’s luggage MIA, McCord’s the one I’m calling at 2:00 a.m., ready to work his magic. What sets Scott apart from the sea of digital booking platforms is his unmatched personalized service. He takes the time to get to know his clients: their quirks, pet peeves, and travel goals. This personal touch allows him to craft travel experiences that are uniquely tailored to each individual, always going above and beyond to exceed expectations, and ensuring you hit your super-elite status along the way. My first in-person meeting with McCord felt like a scene from a movie. I was on my usual Sunday afternoon flight from Toronto to Ottawa when I noticed a woman holding a phone with my picture on it. Naturally, I was creeped out, assuming it was an opposition MP’s staffer gearing up to slam me online for flying business class (on my own dime, mind you). Just as the plane was about to take off, I heard a familiar voice. “Hello, Sharan,” he muttered. I immediately burst out laughing, realizing it was the man himself—Scott McCord, rarely spotted in the wild. I jokingly told him I thought he was a stalker with my picture on his phone. McCord and his wonderfully patient wife, Laurie, both laughed. He explained that his staff had tipped him off that I was on the same flight, as he was returning from dropping his daughter off at university. That is McCord: at any given moment, he can tell you who’s on what flight and flying from where. That’s how personally invested he is in every booking under his wing. For McCord, no request is too small, and no detail is too trivial. From securing the best seats on a flight to finding the most charming boutique hotels, McCord brings a level of care and consideration that makes every trip feel special. He has an uncanny ability to anticipate his clients' needs before they even realize them, turning potential travel stressors into seamless experiences. After I left politics under less-than-ideal circumstances, McCord assured me he would keep me, my cat, and my family on as clients. Nearly five years later, I still talk to him more than I do some family members. When my minister resigned, McCord was the first to reach out, sharing in my disappointment. He kept in touch almost daily to check on me and the team. When I fell seriously ill with pneumonia and a collapsed lung right after the federal budget, McCord called me nearly every day during my recovery. To this day, no matter where I am in the world, if something intriguing happens in Ottawa, I get a late-night “call in” email from McCord, and I’m quick to dial him up to dissect the latest scoop together. McCord's clients will tell you that once you’ve travelled with his help, there’s no going back. He is, without a doubt, a travel agent extraordinaire and, for those who know him, a trusted friend, confidant, and therapist. With Scott McCord retiring, one thing is certain: you can expect ministers and half of Ottawa to be late for everything for the foreseeable future! Sharan Kaur is a former deputy chief of staff and director of operations to then-finance minister Bill Morneau. The Hill Times