December 28, 2017
Third day of Winter Session began with an outstanding Bear Pit featuring Bill Blaikie, Dorothy Dobbie, Gord Mackintosh, and Bonnie Mitchelson who all served previously in the Manitoba Legislative. Today they gave up some personal time during the crazy holiday season to inform and teach us from their past experiences. YPM is so thankful to let youth hear from knowledgeable parliamentarians on a personal connection on real life situations.
At the start of Bear Pit, one YPM’s Senators spoke about life long friends, and how a simple action can lead to life long happiness. The senator shared how him and two friends encouraged each other to do more in life, and to do more for the organization. It has been several years since they attended YPM as members and they continue to be very close friends, despite being in different provinces.
Around 4:30 pm today, the Minister of External Affairs, Communications, Publications and the P.S. to Alumni Affairs were all discussing on what to do after session was over. How each one would keep in contact with one another. Though they have known each other, only a few months, the moments of planning and prepping for the 96th Winter Session has grown them together. They are all different ages, backgrounds and have very different view points. Yet, they appreciate, respect and enjoy each other. This is what makes YPM so special. It is the door way to meet others, to accepting others, and being vulnerable enough to let others accept you.
If you come to Session, you will observe members together, speaking and laughing to one another. Now let me tell you a secret, most of the backbenchers have never met before. They come as strangers, but leave as friends.