News Archive
Shawnigan House of Commons
An Afternoon of Parliamentary Debate
Grade 11 students formed their own government, as the social studies department organized the annual Shawnigan House of Commons, Friday.
Based on the results of a Jan. 10 School-wide vote, the entire Grade 11 class was distributed into Conservatives, Greens, New Democrats, Liberals, Marxist-Leninists, and Bloc Quebecois.
With his Conservative Party holding a majority government, Prime Minister Nolan Y. led his caucus through the passing of Bill S-01, the Energy and Business Success Act.
Centred around the construction of new pipelines, the bill drew heated discussion during question period as all parties looked to represent their constituents and score points in the parliamentary debate.
Green Party Leader Nyah M. was particularly stinging in her criticisms of the bill, insisting that fossil fuel use must be cut in order to keep the planet's temperature from rising more than 2%. Nyah repeated her demands that the government implement a transparent carbon tax, while also voicing concerns about Canada's indigenous people. "If we involve them in our renewable energy stimulus program, then we do not have to extort their land," she said. "We can build them long-term jobs that will not just last as long as the fossil fuel industry does."
In response to the criticisms of the Greens and Liberals, Prime Minister Nolan said "If the needs of the people are about environmental security, then I believe the free market will secure that."
After adopting several amendments and dealing with a pro-environment protester as well as a brief scandal in the Prime Minister's Office, Bill S-01 was ultimately passed and the SHoC was adjourned.
Two nights earlier, students also had the opportunity to listen to a debate between the Cowichan Valley Liberal and Green Party candidates for the 2017 Provincial election.
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.
