Governance

As with any organization, Youth Parliament of Manitoba has defined regulations and governing structures to ensure consistency from year to year.

All aspects of our governance are shaped according to our motto: For Youth, By Youth. From this philosophy, all formal governing structures are begotten.

Governing Documents

The governing documents of Youth Parliament of Manitoba include:

• the Articles of Incorporation (and associated documents)
• the By-laws of YPM Incorporated
• the Standing Orders of YPM’s parliamentary sessions
• the Code of Conduct (adhered to by all members at official events)
• the Western Canada Youth Parliament Act

The official versions of these documents can be downloaded below:

To suggest a change or for further information about the governing documents, contact the House Leader.

Committees

Standing Orders and Bylaws Organizational Committee (SOBLOC)

The Standing Orders and By-Laws Organizational Committee is a standing committee struck each year in January at the final meeting of the cabinet. This committee is colloquially known by its acronymic name: SOBLOC.

SOBLOC’s terms of reference direct it to review YPM’s governing documents and propose amendments thereto. They report their recommendations for amendments at the AGM.

The committee’s membership is allocated in the following manner:

• The House Leader (chair)
• The Speaker
• Three positions reserved for members chosen by and from the cabinet

Caucuses

The Rural Caucus

The collection of members who reside or hold permanent residence outside the political boundaries of the city of Winnipeg form the Rural Caucus. This typically represents around 50% of our membership, including many cabinet ministers.

The Rural Caucus offers a chance for members to join together and discuss issues they have in common with each other. Their activities also include fundraising, carpooling and assisting in planning events throughout the province of Manitoba.

Rural Caucus Constitution

Events

Annual General Meeting

Youth Parliament of Manitoba Incorporated holds its Annual General Meeting each year during the spring. All members are invited to attend and participate as voting members of the corporation.

All members are given the chance to discuss and amend the organization’s governing documents, ratify the budget for the fiscal year and hear the Premier’s State of the Corporation address.

Documents from past AGMs are available below for download.

Election Meeting

Youth Parliament of Manitoba Incorporated holds its Election Meeting on the evening of the fifth day of the Winter Session, immediately following prorogation.

The Speaker of Winter Session acts as the chairperson of the Election Meeting and the CEO of the elections themselves.

All members* of the corporation are permitted to nominate another member, second a nomination or be nominated themselves for a position on the corporation’s board of directors/parliamentary executive. All members are also given the opportunity to pose questions of the nominees and to vote in the actual elections.

As with Winter Session in general, there are many traditions associated with the Election Meeting, many of which date back a number of years. But don’t think we’re about to squeal. To find out about them, you’ll just have to get involved!
*In accordance with provincial law, all directors of the corporation must be no less than 18 years of age.