Erik Koskela, Prime Minister of Model Parliament (photo by Sara Minaeian)
As you may have heard, Model Parliament 2014 has just passed, and it was a wild time!  The whole weekend was a fabulous simulation of what happens in our country’s simulation (with some puns here, and there), and you have so many people coming together to work for a common goal. Many participants explained that they especially enjoyed Model Parliament because “you find things in common with so many people you otherwise wouldn’t get a chance to know!” This year’s (first) Prime Minister Erik Koskela said that he met one of his closest friends in Model Parliament.
But why else would you want to get involved in Model Parliament, especially if you’re not involved in PIDSSA, or relevant Arts course?  Erik Koskela noted that it is a valuable trait to understand how politics work (in the country you live in especially!). “It is not just about the political issues of today, it’s a fun, and entertaining way to gain valuable information on how parliament works”. In a separate interview, the Governor General, and organizer of event, Tom Simpson, agreed to say that he would “100% recommend this event to students in different disciplines…there is so much practicality in the event – you can become active citizens”. You gain so many leadership skills from this experience including organization, dedication, confidence, and communication. As Tom says, “good communication, and organization are always relevant”. By participating in Model Parliament, you are taught to think quickly in debates, which Erik points out can also be a critical skill in a work environment. Â
Both Tom and Erik will have finished their third year in Model Parliament this year, and have loved every moment of it! Erik so much he decided he wanted to get a group of people together, going on to say “my favourite part of Model Parliament is seeing everyone come together, and deliver…amazing!” Tom enjoyed it so much he decided to organize the whole event (with help from friends, and other leaders of course)! So much work has been put into the event, and, for the first time, an online survey was posted for anonymous feedback – and it wasn’t bad! The “feedback I get is positive, so I am satisfied!” says Tom. It seems like all the hard work is worth it!
Starting with the majority government of S.W.A.G. (Socialist Workers Against Government), official opposition S.T.Y.L.E. (Society of Toronto’s Yonge Street Leadership Elite), and third party C.A.T.S. (Canadian Allied Traditionalist Society). The main parts of the S.W.A.G. platform seen over the weekend were the ideas of eliminating all income tax, and “eliminating the stain of past governments by crushing the deficit within the first 100 days of taking control”. The part of the S.T.Y.L.E. platform predominantly discussed in the house was the idea of “cities feed cities” gluten-free, and vegan diets as they have “more than enough to eat at home”. C.A.T.S. advocated for lots of freedom, liberty, and of course Queen Elizabeth II. Â
The fall of the S.W.A.G. majority government on the end of Friday, January 24th, 2014 was due to loss of confidence when the Prime Minister, turned down the idea of going to war proposed by the Minister of Magic, and S.T.Y.L.E. took over. But not for long, as S.W.A.G., and C.A.T.S. had tricks up their sleeves. Together they formed a coalition government, and took back power in the house, with the agreement that C.A.T.S. leader, Stephanie Henderson, would become the next Prime Minister. Â
Soon after the three major political parties broke down into several other parties including Ratchet S.W.A.G. (considered to still be an affiliate of S.W.A.G.), and the returning Parti Bleu. Some members joined some remaining independent Members of Parliament (MPs).Â
Thursday – Saturday night were spent celebrating the days accomplishments, and surprises in the house with a few drinks at some local bars where the events were made to be 18+ (age determined by wristbands divided out on the first night) for all the participants to take part in!Â
In conclusion, Model Parliament is a great way to become an informed, and active citizen in our sometimes confusing parliamentary political system, network with people in the same, or different faculties, gain critical skills in leadership, and the workplace! And hey, you get to sit in the House of Commons where Members of Parliament have been sitting for nearly 140 years!Â
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