Model Parliament 2020

My Model Parliament 2020 Family! I miss you all if you're reading this, and you are amazing! 

What is Model Parliament? According to their site: 

Model Parliament for High School Students: This educational program at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario is designed for civic-minded high school students in grades 10 to 12, who are interested in current events and provincial issues. This unique experience will bring together students from across Ontario, for a three-day Model Parliament Program in Toronto, where they will have the opportunity to play the role of a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP). Students will learn about the parliamentary and legislative process through workshops and presentations. They will also meet key figures in Ontario’s Parliament as they forge new friendships with like-minded students.

Through the Model Parliament Program experience, young Ontarians will gain a stronger knowledge of the province's parliamentary practices and traditions while participating in an authentic experience that will teach them the value and importance of our democratic process.

Join us!

If you are interested in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario Model Parliament, submit an online application. Applications will be accepted each year from September 15th to November 3rd.

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This year, I represented Brampton East as a Green Party Delegate. I chose the Green Party because as a youth heavily involved in environmental initiatives, I thought that it would be the area of focus where I would be able to bring as much of my present knowledge and ask questions that would be of relevance to our chosen topic. 

The itinerary was really packed, and throughout the day, we did a variety of things from brainstorming, to discussions, as well as planning the details of the bill that we would be presenting to our other parties. This year, we focused on tackling the plastic problem, because plastic pollution is not currently treated properly, and often ends up in landfills. We wanted to come up with a bill that would ensure that the plastic was properly disposed of, or labelled as Hazardous waste. 

It was an amazing experience, and the criticism we received was very valid, and helped us in reshaping the bill, adding definitions, and really taught me man lessons. 

The first was to double-check, and really ensure that the definitions stated are clear. It's better to have more than less. Also, verify the statistics, because sometimes the research may be taken from different sources that are not credible. Also, communicate with other parties and ask them what they think about the bill- that way you can get an idea of what responses you will get. (not sure if it's allowed but they did it anyway ) 

And most importantly, enjoy your time. Meet as many people as possible, because the time you have is short. One of my biggest regrets was leaving right after- I did see that some of them actually ended up going for dinner, and that is the type of friendship and fun that programs like this provide. Take the extra step to interact with more people, even if they are not in your party. Connect with them, and just remember to enjoy the moment! It is a true once in a lifetime experience to see the MPs and also to be with your peers from all across the province- take advantage of this, and meet as many people possible! Do not be afraid- everyone is here to have fun, and these are the leader of tomorrow- you never know who you will cross paths with again in a few years. 

So, remember to go outside your comfort zone and be the one to initiate the conversation, go first! If you think that there is something that may be holding you back, ignore that. It's all in your head.  When you are given the opportunity to meet new people, learn about their stories, experiences and dreams, just go for it! You never know unless you try. 

It applies to opportunities too. Are you scared of applying because you think you are not good enough? STOP that mindset. Don't worry, I used to think like that too. You are amazing and worthy just the way you are, do not underestimate your value and your identity! Regardless of the qualifications you may or may not have, you should keep trying to expand that, and most importantly, Just apply! You never know what will happen. 

Remember, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take. 

And that is one of the most important lessons I learned when I missed applying for so many programs in the past because I thought I wasn't good enough. STOP that negative thinking. The strive for Perfection is one thing, but you will never even get to experience the opportunity if you don't apply. 

And that my friends, is the Model Parliament 2020 Recap. I know I didn't say much, I'm not sure if I can talk about the bills because hopefully some of you will be making your own bills for your parties for the future Parliament Programs! Just get creative and think about solutions and problems that are currently happening. Do some research, and more detail is better than none! 

Good luck, and thanks for reading!