I’ll admit I’m a bit of a rarity among youth. I’ll just go ahead and say it.
I have a keen interest in politics.
I can almost hear the groans. With the election, and the last three minority parliaments, it’s understandable. Politics really has become a dreary topic. A few weeks ago, however, I was fortunate enough to participate in the Forum for Young Canadians, a week-long program for youth, centering around the subject.
I’ll explain: the Forum for Young Canadians is a program aimed at youth interested in parliamentary procedure, and the general workings of government. During the Forum, participants are flown to Ottawa to take part in simulations, tours of Parliament, and other activities.
I must say the whole experience was very intensive. Just hours after my flight had landed, we were all separated into groups, and instructed to form parties to run in a mock-election. And, as we learned at dinner that night, the week was jam-packed with activities, simulations, speakers, tours of Parliament, and the mock election of course.
Some other highlights of the week, included: a mock first ministers conference, a workshop run by Elections Canada on how polling stations are run, and of course, we actually got to sit inside the House of Commons with the Speaker of the House. However, there is so much that I can’t describe for you in this article, like the people I met, and the real impact of everything I saw and experienced.
At the Forum so much can be learned, whether it’s from the other participants, the volunteers, or the journalists, politicians, lobbyists, and civil servants who took the time to address us: a rag-tag group of youth from across the country. The whole experience meant a lot to me, not only being around others who share a key interest of mine, but also seeing the dedication among the Forum volunteers, and the people who came to speak to us.
It’s easy to complain, and groan about what goes on in Ottawa, because from where we see it, its often slow and tiresome. We have to recognize though, the sheer dedication of all the politicians, media specialists, and others who are involved in the political process. These people have made a commitment to the country, and to you and I.
You don’t have to be a political die-hard, though to enjoy your experience at the Forum. Though it does requires a commitment on your part, time and time again the Forum volunteers, and the other participants are there to deliver and contribute to a positive experience. Through the forum, I have gained many friends, and a deeper understanding of the issues not only local to Alberta, but also issues affecting other provinces, and most importantly, issues that affect us all as a country. I would recommend the Forum for Young Canadians to anyone, and everyone, politically involved or otherwise.
If you are interested in the Forum, visit http://www.forum.ca
