Since 1992, members of the Laurentian University community have been participating in a Model Parliament event held in Canada's Parliament in the nation's capital of Ottawa, but this year marks the just the fifth time the event has been organized by alumni of Laurentian University, and the first student/alumni hybrid event. On January 27th, a group of more than one hundred students, alumni, and donors continued the tradition by debating their bills in the Senate Chamber.
Model Parliament attendees pose for a group photo in the Senate Chamber
The unique opportunity offers a look into the inner workings of the Canadian federal parliament. The event was planned by an organizing committee made up of alumni, students and staff, and offered a packed schedule to attendees which included a tour of the Supreme Court of Canada, a full day in the Senate, and an evening banquet.
"It's difficult to imagine Laurentian University without Model Parliament. It is widely regarded as one of Laurentian's most appealing assets. For almost half of its 63-year history, LU has given its students the opportunity to demonstrate their talents and practice their political acuity in this way. Over all these years, hundreds of students, faculty members, and public servants have devoted much time and talent to making Model Parliament happen. It is wonderful to find ourselves with a triumphal return to Ottawa with this hybrid student-Alumni Model Parliament," said Dr. Rand Dyck, Chief Advisor and founder of the Model Parliament.
Addressing the Laurentian group at the banquet dinner that followed the parliamentary visit, Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University said, "there have been many model parliamentarians who have gone on to run for office, filled key roles within political campaigns, and worked in multiple levels of government. Through this experience over the years, students have learned about far more than parliamentary procedure-they have learned about themselves and have been genuinely inspired and transformed by this event."
Model Parliament has seen participation from sitting politicians from Sudbury and many other ridings, cabinet ministers, former Prime Minister, Jean Chrétien, and Laurentian chancellors Madame Aline Chrétien and Steve Paikin.
Dr. Embleton also thanked the organizing committee and remarked on the impressive impact that Model Parliament has had on students and faculty over the years.
