December 28th was a busy day for the Youth Parliament of Manitoba. After a morning and afternoon of rigorous debate on mock legislation, the Youth Parliament of Manitoba concluded its third day of sittings with its annual Bear Pit and Alumni Reception.
Preceding the Bear Pit, Alyssa Morrison gave an impassioned speech in memory of Reg Alcock, Youth Parliament of Manitoba’s past Honourary President who tragically passed away this year.
YPM also honoured Mr. George Hickes, former speaker of the Manitoba Legislative. Recognizing that members of the community deserve recognition for their support of YPM, the Educator Appreciation Award was rededicated in honour of Mr. Hickes and named the “George Hickes Community Outreach Award”. This new award recognizes educators and other members of the community for their outstanding support of YPM and its mission.
Following this rededication, YPM recognized the contributions of Robby Pankhurst (83rd to 89th) and Kiran Dhillon (83rd to 87th) for their contributions as members of YPM by inducting them into YPM’s Senate.
After a Bear Pit which included former MLAs Al Mackling, David Faurschou, Myrna Phillips and George Hickes, current and former members joined the former MLAs in the Rotunda of the Manitoba Legislature for a reception where they had the opportunity to peruse legislation from the past six decades, mingle and reconnect with one another.