Do you know why the Legislative members bang on their desks?
Over Christmas break Karly Christian and I attended British Columbia Youth Parliament’s 83rd session. We went for a week to Victoria to sit in the Legislative Assembly.
B.C.’s Youth Parliament is unique in that it is one of the two parliaments that actually are allowed to sit in the Legislative Assembly in Victoria, the other group being the provincial level parliament.
While in Victoria we learned about parliamentary and legislative procedures and traditions. For example, parliamentary members hit their desks instead of clapping because traditionally in parliament the members would have to have one hand on their sword at all times, leaving them only one hand, so instead of clapping, they would bang the corners of their desks.
Also traditionally, the two sections of government and opposition seats are exactly two and a half sword lengths away from each other, so that the Deputy Speaker would not be in danger of getting his or her head cut off if members choose to swing their swords at the other side during debate.
Another tradition that we followed was that one was not allowed to cross the floor between government and opposition. When one did leave the assembly room, he or she had to bow to the speaker and to whoever was actually speaking.
Following the parliamentary traditions gave our sessions an air of formality, seriousness, and credence.
We were all assigned desks and constituencies. I am the member for Cariboo-Chilcotin. Karly is the member representing Kamloops North-Thompson #2. BCYP is nonpartisan. Karly and I were both on the side of the opposition. In youth parliament, we have a cabinet, which is led by our premier and consists of ministers of things like “PR” and “Internet Activities.”
On the opposition side, we have a “shadow cabinet,” which is made up of critics of the ministers in the cabinet and led by the leader of the opposition. During session, we passed several amendments to youth parliament’s constitution, several yearlong acts, and one perpetual act that further defines the role of the Minister of Finance.
The main focus of Youth Parliament is bettering life for youth in British Columbia through service to our communities. This year, Karly and I will participate in several fundraisers and service projects with other members from B.C.’s Interior.
Students from across B.C. from age 16 to 22 are able to become members of our Legislative Assembly. It is a great opportunity to meet people our age from across B.C. who are interested in parliament and debate.
Being able to attend Youth Parliament was a great opportunity and I look forward to following our legislation this year!