Step aside, grown ups.
From Dec. 27 until New Year’s Eve, just under 100 youth aged 16 to 21 from across the province will take over the Legislative Assembly of B.C.
The idea is to provide a learning environment for the younger generation, where they can get pointers from MLAs of all parties, the media, civil servants and each other.
“There are so many incredible aspects of [BC Youth Parliament], but by far the most impactful is the platform it gives our members,” said Ranil Prasad, premier of the 91st BC Youth Parliament, in a news release.
“It empowers us to make positive change in our communities and challenges us to see past our differences. In a time where politics is seen as an increasingly divisive area, BCYP shows that it is possible to have different views and be respectful at the same time.”
Perhaps the biggest event that members will be discussing is the possibility of holding the first Canada Youth Parliament in Victoria. This would be a national version of the gathering, which would bring in youth representatives from across the country.
The BC Youth Parliament has been a long-standing tradition.
It’s been meeting in Victoria since 1924. Youth Parliament members convene for five days to debate the plans for the organization for the coming year.
In the past, Squamish has sent locals to the event.
Howe Sound Secondary grad Callista Ryan has been a familiar face. Furthermore, on at least one occasion, a local version of the parliament was held in town.
In 2018, the North Shore Youth Parliament was held at the 55 Activity Centre, where members acted as political representatives for their respective regions and experienced the process of passing bills.
