What it is like to be a Young Parliamentarian

“Say what you mean, mean what you say, and do what you said you would do.”

The first time I heard those words, they were from our Leader of the Opposition at the parliamentary session of the British Columbia Youth Parliament (BCYP), a weeklong gathering in Victoria’s Legislative Buildings where youth from around the province meet to create and debate legislation.

It was the opening of session, and I was too preoccupied with the seating chart to pay attention to anyone else. Once the Speaker entered and everyone stood to bow, I realized how packed the room actually was! Session began with a much-awaited traditional opening ceremony. Everyone was introduced to the House, greetings written by BCYP alumni and political figures were read, and the House Leaders made welcoming speeches where each of them promised riveting debates, tiring but unforgettable nights, and friendships that would last a lifetime.

Finally, after a long day we were allowed to return to the hotel. But instead of responsibly heading to bed, I changed out of my skirt and stockings and made my way to the always-booming common rooms. That first night, I was looking for a familiar face, but by the second night, I was looking for my new friends. Good friends whom I’ve managed to make better connections with than many people I’ve known my entire life. I think the secret is in the week you spend together in Victoria. You wake up, eat, rush back to the parliament buildings together – and within that short time, you build a bond that can’t be broken by distance or time.

Each morning, the alarm went off at 7:45, giving my roommates and I fifteen minutes to get ready and make our way to the parliament buildings. With every hour that passed, more acts were approved and more debate arose with each one. The discussion however reached a climax with the private members’ resolutions: documents written by members that discuss topics both important and amusing. If a private member’s resolution gets passed, it is sent to the organizations outlined in the resolution, making a real difference.

More suddenly than not, session came to a close and we were told that it was now up to us as the honourable members we were to translate our words and legislation into actions. So, throughout this year, we’ve planned various service events and fundraisers within our own regions. We’ve also put on smaller, more hands-on youth parliaments where we’ve taught others what we learned at BCYP. And although some of us are going into political careers and are using BCYP as a stepping-stone, the rest of us are in it for the good time. For the riveting debates, tiring but unforgettable nights, and friendships guaranteed to last a lifetime.