8TH COMMONWEALTH YOUTH PARLIAMENT CYP8
like money grows on trees.” Honeylynn Lisson, a government member, advised the opposition that “I myself, and the rest of the government look forward to hearing some proactive and constructive things that the opposition can suggest in the near future, and I hope that you will stay tuned for what we will provide. The opposition asked the government if we would be willing to work with you, and our Premier said that we would. But in return, we need you to work with us. We need less partisanship, and we need more cooperation.” Some of the youth Parliamentarians felt that party politics and dramatic performances in the Chamber should be limited given the educational nature of the programme. Others thoroughly enjoyed these realistic elements. During the week, youth Parliamentarians embraced learning the details of parliamentary procedure, including familiarising themselves with the CYP8 Standing Orders, taking any and every opportunity to raise a point of order. During one lively Oral Question Period, the Government Whip, Jordan Kerr, responded on behalf of government a number of times, causing Aaron McDonnell, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, to rise on a point of order regarding nonexecutive Members responding during Oral Question Period. The Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Richard Lee, MLA,
was in the Chair and asked the government to clarify the role of the Member in question. It was subsequently explained that the Member was Government Whip and a Minister without portfolio. As such, as a member of the Executive, it was within his right to respond during Oral Question Period. On the second day of proceedings, the government introduced Bill 1, the Youth Apprenticeship and Internship Act. During the second reading debate, government youth Parliamentarian Jamie Murray argued that the Bill “absolutely stimulates job creation and amplifies opportunity.” Farah Hussain, Deputy Premier, further explained that the Bill will “give [youth] an advantage in the job market, allowing them to get good jobs, become active citizens and contribute to our society. This [Bill] is an investment in our young people that will be paid back many times over, during their working careers, in the form of income tax. It is good for our country, and it is good for our people.” The opposition critic for Justice, Rebecca Cross, voiced concern regarding “the amount of discretionary power the Youth Apprenticeship and Internship Bill gives to the Minister of Social Development. The minister is to set targets, but on what basis? What will the government be measuring? What jobs will these internships lead to? What wage will be specified?” Echoing these concerns, other opposition members called for the creation of an oversight body to monitor the programmes.
74 | The Parliamentarian | 2017: Issue One
Following debate and subsequent amendments, the Bill passed and received Royal Assent. The role of the Lieutenant Governor was played by the Honourable Ingrid MosesScatliffe, Speaker of the British Virgin Islands House of Assembly. The British Virgin Islands House of Assembly will host the next Commonwealth Youth Parliament in the autumn of 2017. One of the highlights of the programme for many of the young people was a mock press conference held in the Members’ Lobby outside of the Chamber. At the outset of the programme, youth Parliamentarians were provided with potentially controversial scenarios on which the press could ask questions. Mentors and reporters from the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia served as the press. This ‘real-life’ media experience presented a challenge and opportunity. As can be imagined, some of the comments made by government ministers in the heat of the moment at the press conference provided for a lively debate during subsequent Oral Question Periods. On the final evening, a dinner was held at Government House, the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and the ceremonial home of all British Columbians. Government House is located on expansive property in the Rockland neighbourhood, surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens, wooded areas, a pond, and a small orchard. Her Honour Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, hosted the event. As youth Parliamentarians arrived, they were greeted by an official receiving line, and each had their photo taken. It was a fun and glamourous evening - we were even treated to entertainment by youth Parliamentarian Jabari Lynch who shared his inspiring poem about diversity, entitled
‘Soup’, a few lines of which read: All these different paths together. All these different paths make a whole. All these different paths, yet wholly, all together, All blend to make a unique flavour. It was inspiring to see firsthand how CYP8 engaged and empowered young people from across the Commonwealth. The young people really dedicated themselves to the programme, and embraced the opportunities to learn about parliamentary democracy and to network with each other. Opposition Health critic Stefanie Panesar captured the tone of the programme when she wrote: “Not once did I feel that my voice or thoughts were not important; that my opinion wasn’t wanted or appreciated. There was a certain air to this crowd of individuals that welcomed different views and difficult conversations. I know that [there] are foundations for lifelong partnerships which will continue to broaden each of our minds and challenge us to think and act innovatively. Together our voices are amplified and we become stronger than we are alone.” During the closing ceremony in the Chamber, I wanted to impress upon these young individuals that if you seek to make a difference, anything is possible. In April of this year, we will mark the 100th anniversary of some women being granted the right to vote and stand for office in the province of British Columbia. The campaign to extend the vote to this first group of women in British Columbia spanned 45 years, but their dedication and commitment changed the nature of politics in British Columbia. Using this story, I reminded the young Parliamentarians that they all have the potential to make a positive difference in shaping the future of their own communities and countries.