On Jan. 7 Bryce Birch's grade 10 Social Studies class welcomed Honourable Dan D'Autremont Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Cannington to their class as well as John Pott, a retired RCMP member and Legion member.
D'Autremont arrived at G.F. Kells to lead a non-partisan educational outreach program where students take on the roles of MLAs. On Nov. 27 last year the grade 10 social class toured the legislative buildings in Regina and this program was a great way to reinforce and engage the youth in democracy as well as our parliamentary proceedings.
In order to provide a holistic appreciation for our government and our democratic rights, Pott was asked to join for the day in order to speak about his experience with defending democracy and the importance of volunteering.
The students were very much prepared for the day after two preparation classes last week under Birch's guidance.
The classroom was set up as parliament is with the government to the right of the speaker and the opposition to the left. Though a fun fact for the day that brought laughter from the students was why Newfoundland's parliament sits on the opposite sides. It is due to the heater being on the left side of the Speaker when their parliament was first formed, so the government was warm while the opposition froze.
D'Autremont acted as the Speaker during the mock parliament session in his full Speaker attire, while adding to the experience through explaining why and how they do certain things.
D'Autremont was able to include different happenings throughout the classroom experience of the mock parliament and incorporate it into the real thing. When a student's phone accidently went off, all eyes went to them. D'Autremont simply laughed and said the same thing happens in session with either cell phones or the "bing" heard from starting the computer, including all eyes on the embarrassed subject.
He was able to engage the students during his time with them as they completed a session of parliament. Everything from the procession into the room, introduction of guests, presenting petitions, member statements, question period, introduction of a Bill, the First Reading of the Bill, right down to passing the Bill.
D'Autremont had previously stated, "I feel it is important for Saskatchewan youth to understand the significant role that our parliamentary system has on our lives, and the price that has been paid to make it possible for us to enjoy the freedoms and prosperity that we have. I also hope that some students might be inspired to consider service to the public as a career choice."
Following the mock parliament D'Autremont had left enough time to discuss the importance of democracy and explain that countries today are still fighting to gain this form of government around the world.
John Pott was then asked to speak about his career as an RCMP member and what democracy is to him. He explained his many years in service to Canada with the RCMP and stated that volunteering is one of the most important things one can do with their lives.
He also explained that our democratic rights were fought for long ago and defended over the years. Relatives gave their lives in all of the wars that came before in order to ensure that the youth of today have every opportunity, can become anything they want, and have inherent rights and freedoms because of this.
D'Autremont also explained that there are two different programs for university students to take part in if they are interested in a few years. There is the Page Program, which lets students work during the session and gain class credits. The other is an Internship Program usually done by third or fourth year university students who work for members of the government and opposition, switching midway through. Here they aid the MLA in speech preparation, research, and ultimately learn what an MLA does for class credits as well.
Before adjourning the session D'Autremont and Pott answered questions, such as how one may begin a path towards becoming a politician. The suggestions to the students was to volunteer and run for local organizations first, then slowly work ones way up to Provincial or Federal levels. Becoming known to people and volunteering are two of the most important aspects to running in elections according to D'Autremont.
Students found the experience to be useful, especially after visiting parliament last November.
"I liked it because it gave you a better look at how things are run and the order things are done," Jordan Gudmundson, clerk during the mock parliament, explained.
"It gave me a better outlook on the government system."
