Student MLAs Debate Driving Age and Tobacco Sales

To raise or not to raise the provincial driving age is one of the hot topics Nova Scotia high school students will debate this weekend as part of Model Legislature 2005.

Bills to raise the minimum driving age and to give government control of tobacco sales will be on the agenda as the students gather at Province House in Halifax for a hands-on experience of how democracy works in Nova Scotia.

The event, organized by the Department of Education, runs from May 27 to May 29. The students, representing their own ridings, will divide into caucuses and debate the two mock bills on the floor of the House of Assembly.

"Model Legislature 2005 is a tremendous event offering high- school students the chance to learn how Nova Scotia's government works and about potential new career opportunities," said Education Minister Jamie Muir. "It's an exciting three days that will see the students participate in workshops and mock sittings of the legislature."

Workshops will be held on the life of an MLA and the role of the media. On Saturday morning students will hear an address from Joseph Howe -- being played by dramatist Michael Bawtree.

MLAs Howard Epstein, Diana Whalen, Kieth Colwell, Danny Graham and Graham Steele are also participating in the event. Finance Minister Peter Christie is the guest speaker at the opening banquet.

The first Model Legislature was held in 2003.