Acadian, Francophone Students Come Together for Youth Parliament

Acadian and francophone students from across Canada will experience the business of the House of Assembly in the country's longest serving legislative building.

Seventy-one young people from the Atlantic provinces, Quebec, Manitoba, and British Columbia will take part in the 2013 Acadian Youth Parliament from Friday, Jan. 4 to Sunday, Jan. 6 at Province House in Halifax.

"It is never too early for students to take an active interest in government," said Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leonard Preyra. "The Acadian Youth Parliament is a wonderful opportunity for young people to get involved and learn first-hand about the political process.

"I wish all of the participants great success on their journey to discovering what government is all about."

Fifty-two participants will be members of parliament representing fictitious parties in the nation-state of Acadie. The remaining students will fill other important roles during the proceedings, such as journalists and staff.

"Having the Acadian Youth Parliament totally in French will add a unique chapter to the long history of Province House," said Acadian Affairs Minister David Wilson. "This event began in Nova Scotia in 2004, and I am proud that we are hosting Acadian and francophone youth once again."

Much like a real house of assembly sitting, the members will have caucus meetings, debate bills and elect a cabinet. The four bills are:

• prohibition of cosmetics and toxic products
• waste and landfill site management
• decriminalization of assisted suicide
• citizenship and immigration in Acadie

The students will also network at luncheons, a banquet and opening and closing ceremonies.

"It is a pleasure to arrive today at Province House," said Xavier Lord-Giroux, premier of Parlement jeunesse de l'Acadie 2013. "This year, we have widened our boundaries to include participants from the western provinces and from Québec, and we have found a balance between youth newly interested in politics and youth who already have parliamentary experience."

The event is sponsored by the Société nationale de l'Acadie and organized by the Provincial Youth Council of Nova Scotia.