Local Student Represents Deep River at Inaugural Youth Parliament

A local student, Jamie Hopkins from Deep River, took part in the inaugural Youth Parliament of Canada held in Ottawa last month. This historic event, organized by CIVIX, gathered 73 youth from across the country to engage in parliamentary procedures, debate pressing national issues, and draft simulated policy proposals.

Hopkins, currently enrolled in Cambrian College’s Child and Youth Care program, was inspired to apply for the Youth Parliament after discussions with a school support worker. “I’ve always liked helping people,” she stated, reflecting on her desire to assist children with life skills and coaching them through challenges.

The Youth Parliament aimed to connect young Canadians aged 16 to 20 and provide opportunities for those who might not typically engage in political programs. Each participant represented various provinces and territories, with Hopkins emphasizing that many attendees were being introduced to Canadian politics for the first time.

During the event, participants engaged in a range of activities that mirrored the workings of the Canadian government. “They flew us into Ottawa and placed us in a parliamentary simulation,” Hopkins explained. “We sat on committees, reviewed bills, made amendments, and participated in debates and Question Period.” The experience proved to be both intense and educational, with Hopkins describing it as “the fastest learning I’ve ever done.”

The program required participants to introduce their communities in a one-minute speech, a task that proved challenging for many. “After listening to others, I decided to speak about the history of Deep River,” she noted, highlighting the work of local advocate Steffanie Adams in uncovering the town’s Indigenous roots.

Hopkins described the rigorous schedule, with one day spent in the Senate from 09:00 to 21:00. “When I got back to the hotel, I realized I hadn’t stopped for 12 hours,” she remarked. Initially nervous, she found herself quickly acclimating to the parliamentary process, which included a session on how to navigate speaking turns.

By the end of the four-day event, every participant had taken the opportunity to speak. “Not everyone gets to have a voice at a high level,” Hopkins said. “Even though this was a simulated high level, it was still a high level.”

A particularly memorable moment for Hopkins occurred during a panel discussion with Members of Parliament, including Elizabeth May. May candidly shared her experience voting remotely while engaging with the youth. “It was the strangest thing I’d ever seen,” Hopkins recalled, impressed by May’s commitment to participating in both the parliamentary process and the Youth Parliament event.

For Hopkins, the most significant takeaway was the connections made with fellow participants from across Canada. She shared accommodations with a girl from Calgary and engaged in conversations with a delegate from the Yukon. “To me, the most valuable piece of learning was understanding what matters to people in different parts of Canada,” she reflected.

The experience also underscored the diversity within the country, leading to moments of humor and surprise. “For me, it was the ID. Wow – that’s what Alberta ID looks like?” she joked, emphasizing the importance of recognizing differences while striving for unity.

Hopkins expressed pride in her roots, saying that encountering someone from Deep River excites her no matter the location. “I want the people in Deep River to know that what they do matters. People pay attention; they watch, listen, and care,” she affirmed.

She hopes her journey inspires others in Deep River, encouraging them to pursue their ambitions. “I want people in Deep River to remember that what they do opens doors for the people who come after them,” she concluded, embodying the spirit of community and connection fostered during her time at the Youth Parliament.