This was no ordinary parliamentary session.
All 338 of the seats in the House of Commons were taken by young women representing each of their ridings on International Women’s Day.
“I feel really happy right now,” said Callista Ryan, an 18-year-old Squamish local who took a seat in the House. “I think it’s reignited a lot of my passions.”
It was one of several events that was part of Daughters of the Vote, a week-long initiative that gave young women a taste of being an MP.
The program was put together by Equal Voice, an organization dedicated to electing more women in all levels of office in Canada.
At the House of Commons, the women were addressed by former prime minister Kim Campbell and the leaders of every federal party, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“They all had different perspectives on what it means to be a woman in the House of Commons,” said Ryan.
“It was absolutely amazing to hear from Elizabeth May, Kim Campbell and Rona [Ambrose] because they’re all women and they all had very different experiences in politics.”
But for Ryan, the highlight of the event wasn’t necessarily listening to well-established political heavyweights. She was most moved by the speeches of her peers.
Some of the delegates were given a chance to talk about issues facing their respective ridings.
“There were a couple where I definitely cried,” Ryan said.
The delegates spoke of funding shortages in First Nations communities, Islamophobia and other pressing issues facing youth in their areas.
Earlier in the week, as part of the program, Ryan sat down for dinner with MP Pam Goldsmith-Jones, who represents the Squamish area in Parliament.
For Ryan, it was a moment made more special by the fact she had noticed Goldsmith-Jones had made efforts to follow her on social media before their meeting.
“It’s kind of interesting having an MP reach out to you instead of it being the other way around,” she said.
“That made me feel really, really cool because that’s not something a lot of people could say.”
Goldsmith-Jones also gave Ryan a personal introduction to former prime minister Kim Campbell.
Ryan said the event made a lasting impression and helped her forge bonds with other delegates.
‘I’m so filled with energy because of the... spirit and love that everyone has given,” she said.
“I feel so empowered.”
