Young parliamentarians show politicians how it’s done
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/12/2014 (4120 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
It’s usually a model of parliament — but this year it could serve as a model for parliament.
“I hope we are a little more stable then the parliament is right now,” said Brent Hardy, premier of Youth Parliament of Manitoba, adding the current condition of the provincial government is a frequent topic of conversation this year.
“In an age of apathy and cynicism towards politics, having a group of young Manitobans come together during their winter break to take the role of legislators should be viewed as highly encouraging,” Hardy said.
The 93rd annual winter session of the Youth Parliament of Manitoba runs Dec. 26 to 30.
Young Manitobans get the chance to experience the parliamentary process. Members are able to present, debate and vote on their own bills, and this year the bill-presenting ministers aren’t holding back.
There are six bills being introduced. Two bills garnering interest are the Religious Literacy Act, which aims to mandate religion classes is school, and the Artistic Integrity Act, which aims to eradicate corporate involvement in the media.
“It sounds like an exciting time… I get a sense it might be a bit controversial,” said Daryl Reid, Speaker of the legislature. “I encourage Manitobans to come out and see our youth parliamentarians at work and watch them engage in what will no doubt be some very lively debate.”
First started in 1922, Youth Parliament of Manitoba is the oldest mock parliament in Canada. Community leaders such as former politicans Lloyd Axworthy, Howard Pawley and Bill Blaikie were all members of the organization, which is run by local youth under the age of 25. This year’s session includes more than 70 members.
After youth parliamentarians spend the day at the legislature, overnight accommodations are provided at Kelvin High School. Members get to know each other, and Hardy attributes this tight-knit community as the reason people return each year. “It’s the community aspect that keeps everyone coming back,” Hardy said.
erin.debooy@freepress.mb.ca