Squamish will be hosting a youth parliament from Feb. 23 to Feb. 25.
The event will give youth aged 14 to 18 a chance to learn and experience what it’s like to be a part of legislative assembly in B.C.
“It’s the same system that our current MLAs use,” said organizer Callista Ryan, a Howe Sound grad.
Held at the 55 Activity Centre, the North Shore Youth Parliament will be able to act as political representatives for their respective regions and experience the process of passing bills.
Participants will be taught how to write private members’ resolutions, which will be submitted to the youth attorney general.
The attorney general will decide what will be debated, and then people will be able to propose amendments.
“This is a really perfect learning opportunity,” said Ryan. “We have all of our returning members who’ve done this for a few years bring their knowledge.”
People will be on hand to help anyone who hasn’t had any experience or knowledge of how the law-making process works.
“This is the perfect beginner’s guide to parliament,” she added.
The event is not a mock parliament, as the resolutions passed will have an effect on how the club is governed.
Furthermore, it’s a great bonding experience.
Ryan said she’s made friends at the event that she still keeps in touch with today.
Local politicians have been invited to attend the event.
Sea to Sky MP Pamela Goldsmith-Jones and Squamish Mayor Patricia Heintzman may make an appearance.
North Vancouver MP Jonathan Wilkinson is expected to drop in as well.
Those interested can see more details at
bcyporg.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/nsyp-info-book.pdf
and
https://bcyporg.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/nsyp-25-application.pdf
