News Archive
Mock Parliament
Shawnigan House of Commons
Just days before the Federal election, Shawnigan students got their own taste of Canadian democracy with the second annual Shawnigan House of Commons.
Building on the mock election held on Sept. 29th, students held their own session of parliament in the Hugh Wilkinson Theatre on Friday.
With distribution of seats based on the School's vote count, students worked along party lines to pass a piece of legislation.
Beginning with caucus meetings, and then proceeding to question period, committee sessions, and ultimately a final meeting of the entire House, the body was able to successfully pass a bill (with amendments) designed to assist the international community with the displacement of the Syrian people.
The session included a few surprises, including a revolt from a newly formed 'fascist party' and a crisis caused by inappropriate pictures of the Prime Minister discovered on social media! Students also heard a presentation from Yasin Kiragga, a human rights activist, political scientist, and former refugee.
As part of the exercise, Prime Minister Declan P. and Conservative leader Victoria S. did an interview with CBC's Robyn Burns, for All Points West. Click here to listen to that interview.
– Jon Zacks
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
