Speaker’s Night, a chance to reconnect
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The goal of Speaker’s Night is to commemorate the history and stories of YPM as well as celebrate the achievements of our alumni. Most importantly, the goal of the evening is to bring past members together so that they can reconnect. YPM is so remarkable in large part because of the friendships that are forged between the remarkable young people who become actively involved in the organization.
With the 4th annual Speaker’s Night only one short week away, I want to urge every single member of the broad YPM community to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to reconnect with old friends while celebrating the organization that has brought us all together. Call up some old YPM friends and ask them if they’re going to Speaker’s Night, it’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect!
Spring Session Registration Now Open!
01 year ago
by ypmanitoba
in Events
We are excited to announce that registration for our Spring Session is now open. We have also switched to an online registration system, making registering for Spring Session a lot easier!
Please click the big button below to go to our event page, which includes the details of Spring Session, including how to register:
4th Annual Speaker’s Night set for March 10th
01 year ago
by Deputy Speaker
in Events
Join us March 10, 2011 for our 4th Annual Speaker’s Night; Youth Parliament of Manitoba’s premiere fundraising gala and community event of the year.
Who: Members, alumni, friends and supporters of Youth Parliament of Manitoba
What: 4th Annual Speaker’s Night
When: Thursday, March 10, 2011 (Cocktails at 6:30 p.m. and Dinner at 7:30 p.m.)
Where: Radisson Hotel Winnipeg Downtown
Why: To help further the educational development and ongoing engagement of tomorrow’s leaders. A keynote address will be delivered by our Alumni Achievement Award honouree for 2010, Mr. Darren Praznik (55th to 62nd).
How: Visit www.ypmanitoba.ca/speakers_night for ticket information.
A look back on the 89th Parliament
0In less than a week, the directors of the 89th Youth Parliament of Manitoba will complete their one-year term, thereby making way for the board of the 90th Parliament. For me, the outgoing Speaker, this means a bittersweet goodbye as I welcome a new generation of youth parliamentarians after an incredible seven years. Where the time has gone, I have no idea.
Since my first day as a backbencher at the 82nd Winter Session, I have witnessed so many organizational changes. When I hear the stories of our alumni, who have long since moved on from their days as youth parliamentarians, I cannot help but marvel at the ongoing evolutions of this Manitoban institution over the last nine decades. This past year was no exception.
Much of our administrative focus in the early stages of the 89th Parliament revolved around our role as hosts of the 14th biennial Western Canada Youth Parliament. Manitoba hosts this event once every eight years, and 2010 was our turn. Over the May long weekend, about 60 young people from across Western Canada met to debate in the Manitoba Legislature, share stories and ideas on our mutual youth parliament experiences, and of course make some new friends. In all, we could not have asked for a more successful session as all in attendance had a memorable and enjoyable time.
Also in May, we hosted our 3rd Annual Speaker’s Night at the Radisson Hotel Winnipeg Downtown. Dr. Lloyd Axworthy delivered the keynote address as our Alumni Achievement Award honouree for 2009.
Next came time to appoint our Cabinet and begin meetings leading up to Winter Session. To name but a few of our initiatives and taskings last fall, we drafted six innovative and timely bills, established the Alumni Society, attended and hosted numerous community events, and established this blog at long last. The 89th Winter Session in itself was truly a remarkable event.
I would like to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who supported us through these efforts. Youth Parliament of Manitoba has a truly vibrant community of supporters. Please continue to follow YPM online through the website, Twitter, Facebook, or “The Youth Parliamentarian” as our members bring you all our latest news.
The Yeas and Nays Have It
01 year ago
Today marked the second last day of our session, and the third reading and concurrence of both the Democratic Renewal Act, the Personal Liberty Act, Natural Resource Management Act, and the Family Law Act. There was fierce debate on all of the bills and the votes all required standing votes for they were so close.
7th annual Bear Pit a roaring success
11 year ago
The Youth Parliament of Manitoba continued its 89th Winter Session today, but the most exciting part of the day came when our youth parliamentarians had the opportunity to participate in the Bear Pit and Reception with former members of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly.
Second day of Session is a success
01 year ago
The second day of the 89th Winter Session of YPM began in the morning with heated debates regarding the Personal Liberty Act and the Natural Resource Management Act. YPM was lucky enough to have Conservation Minister, and former member of YPM, Bill Blaikie sit in on the final comments of the debate regarding the Natural Resource Management Act.
Many members of the media came out to the Legislative Building to interview youth parliamentarians and record the morning sitting. Major media contacts (CBC, CTV, Global and The Winnipeg Free Press) attended the morning sitting, and new and returning YPM members were interviewed.
At lunch, the NDP Caucus of Manitoba hosted a luncheon with sub sandwiches and juice. A refreshingly honest Q&A with Premier Greg Selinger displayed the concerns, of our session members, for our province and creative, straight-to-the-point answers from our Premier.
89th Winter Session commences in fine fashion
01 year ago
The 89th Youth Parliament of Manitoba Winter Session opened December 26th with remarkable enthusiasm.
The cabinet and executive of the 89th Winter Session with Honourary President, Reg Alcock and Lieutenant Governor, Ruth Romanow Wilson.
Lieutenant Governor, Ruth Romanow Wilson encouraged a need to “create growth and discussion” during her remarks to the membership. She also discussed the importance of a life-long passion for critical thinking on hot-button issues such as plural marriages and the role of the monarchy in contemporary Canadian society.
Honourary President, Reg Alcock followed Ms. Wilson’s speech by discussing the apathy of the average youth today regarding the workings of goverment. He noted that our “odd” enthusiasm for politics is a refreshing change that is neccessary in today’s society. “You are kind of weird,” he jested. (more…)
The 89th Winter Session Begins!
11 year ago
Today, at 8 am sharp marked the commencement of the 89th Youth Parliament of Manitoba Winter Session! Today, approximately 55 youth from across Manitoba will gather in the provincial capital for what is assured to be a week of intense debate and life-long camaraderie.
Upon arrival at Kelvin High School the new “backbenchers” will be given an orientation and then brought to the legislature. For many this may be their first time within the historical and beautiful Manitoba Legislative Building. After taking the oath and signing the scroll of the 89th Winter Session the members will enjoy what is sure to be a delicious meal at Buccacino’s. Following dinner, at 6:30 pm sharp the opening ceremonies will commence where Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor, Ruth Wilson (a youth parliamentarian herself from our 55th until the 58th sessions) will call our 89th Youth Parliament of Manitoba Winter Session to order.
A legacy almost 90 years in the making
0American cultural anthropologist, Margaret Mead once said,
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
No other quote better summarizes the efforts of Youth Parliament of Manitoba. Since 1922, YPM has been dedicated to encouraging thoughtful, and at times radical, debate among young Manitobans. Our youth parliamentarians go on to become political leaders, laywers, doctors, journalists, teachers and more. Our mock debates go on to become Manitoban and Canadian policies and laws. Youth parliamentarians were calling for graduated drivers’ licensing, a gun registry, the abolition of capital punishment and the legalization of abortion as well as same-sex marriage long before these issues officially came to pass.
Within Youth Parliament of Manitoba, we believe in change. We believe in the power of some of our province’s youngest citizens to inspire that change. What we believe in, is each other.
