View From the Legislature

For elected officials, the time between Christmas and New Year’s is generally one of the slowest times of the year. While the weeks before Christmas are among the busiest as the Legislative calendar concludes and there are many local events, the last week of the year is as quiet as any.

Yet in the Manitoba Legislature itself, it is anything but quiet as the building is taken over, literally, by the annual Manitoba Youth Parliament. Manitoba’s Youth Parliament has been in operation for decades and it allows youth between the ages of 16 and 20 to further their interest in politics and public affairs and enhance their public speaking skills. These young Manitobans take their seats in the Legislative Assembly to propose and debate a number of laws and topics.

I have made it a point to visit Youth Parliament virtually every year since I have been elected. In the initial years it was because I was one of the younger members of the P.C. Caucus and so I was often asked to attend. In later years, I have continued to attend because it provides me insight into the issues younger Manitobans consider important and because it is inspiring to see young people interested in public affairs.

It is not common these days for teenagers or those in their early twenties to be interested in politics. Often they feel disconnected from the decisions or simply mirror many in the public who are disenchanted with politics and politicians. So it is both informative and refreshing to be among so many young Manitobans interested in the Legislature and its process.

This year was no different as I was honoured to be able to meet and take questions from Youth Parliament participants during the Christmas break. Their questions are always thoughtful, respectful and cover a wide range of topics. I would encourage young people between the ages of 16 and 20 (or parents with children they think may be interested in participating) to check out the Manitoba Youth Parliament website at ypmanitoba.ca.

This isn’t the only time that young people are found at the Legislature engaging in the political process. The long-established Manitoba Page program is designed for high school students who are interested in serving in the Legislature as a Page. These young students, who are usually nominated by a principal or a superintendent, help in a variety of duties in the Assembly during times the House or Committees are sitting. While most almost always begin with a degree of nervousness, they quickly become part of the daily process bringing both value and energy to the Manitoba Legislature.

As well, Manitoba has an internship program for recent graduates of University. Each year since 1985, six individuals have been chosen to serve as Interns being assigned to work with recognized political parties of the Legislature. It was through this program that I got my introduction to the Manitoba Legislature in 1995 and it serves as a great opportunity for recent graduates to see the legislative process from up close.

While elected representatives are often the focus of the activities of the Manitoba Legislature, through Youth Parliament, the Page program and the Legislative Internship program, young Manitobans are not only bringing a fresh energy to the Legislature, they are preparing to be Manitoba’s future leaders.