Most Manitobans would expect the Legislature to be a pretty quiet place between Christmas and New Years Day. However, far from being quiet, there is a spirited debate that occurs annually during this time.
Now in its 94th year, Youth Parliament is again in session in Manitoba for its winter sitting. Youth between the ages of 16 and 20 years old fill the seats of the Manitoba Legislature and debate a variety of laws that they bring forward. Legislation is often controversial and intended to spark debate. This year members of the Youth Parliament have brought forward a number of pieces of legislation dealing with the protection of the environment, the use of vaccines and a guaranteed minimum income. And while these pieces of legislation don’t actually become the law of our province if approved by Youth Parliament, they offer insight into the views of our future leaders.
At a time when politicians spend a great deal effort trying to get young people engaged in politics and involved in the political process, the participants at Manitoba’s Youth Parliament demonstrate the interest that many young people do have in both political and world issues.
I was again pleased to meet with members of Manitoba’s Youth Parliament during the week and to hear some of their questions and thoughts about our province and its future. It is always exciting to see the enthusiasm that our future has for our province.
