Board and Cabinet

Premier – Josephine Zhao

Josephine joined the Youth Parliament of Manitoba in 2018. She began as a Backbencher in the 97th Session and served recently as the Minister of Labour, before being elected to the Executive in 2021. After graduating from Fort Richmond Collegiate, she began her studies of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Manitoba. Josephine enjoys her time working in aerospace research and development at the university.

Josephine loves astronomy, reading (especially sci-fi and fantasy books), and is a big fan of an array of different music genres. Send her book recommendations, or any type of media that has a good storyline.

As the Premier, Josephine serves as the Chairperson of the organization. Her responsibilities include overseeing YPM’s strategic direction, leading the planning of Session, and presiding over meetings of the Executive, Cabinet, and general membership.

Speaker – Jacob Harvey

Jacob joined YPM in the 96th Session as the Member from Delta. After the first day of debate, his wariness turned to inspiration as he saw so many brave youths speak on the issues that mattered to them. After a memorable first Session, Jacob was sure he wanted to join Cabinet. In the 97th year, Jacob joined Cabinet as the Armstrong Whip, and greatly enjoyed waking members up every morning to get on the bus. He then went on to become the Minister of Human Resources in YPM’s 98th year, writing and passing a bill introducing a national Universal Basic Income.

Also in his fifth year of a Biosystems Engineering degree, Jacob hopes to eventually work in the field of industrial microbiology. Though he is a scientist at heart, he also has an interest in public policy — he believes a combination of progressive technology and policy is necessary to combat environmental threats.

As Speaker, Jacob serves as the Past Chairperson. The Speaker’s responsibilities include maintaining relationships with YPM’s alumni network, facilitating the bill-writing process, and presiding over sittings and debate at Session.

Deputy Speaker – Emily Gray

Emily joined YPM in the 97th Session as the member for Alfred-Pelland and joined Cabinet the following year as the P.S. to Public Relations in the 98th, the Thompson Whip in the 99th, Minister of Labour in the 100th (presenting a bill on the topic of military abolition), and Minister of Internal Affairs in the 101st.

She studies Sociology at the University of Winnipeg while working full time with the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba in the Visitor tour program.

She enjoys volunteering with youth through Girl Guides of Canada, long walks and hikes, and curling up with a warm beverage and a craft project on Friday night movie night with her family.

As Deputy Speaker, Emily serves as the Director of Finance. The Deputy Speaker’s responsibilities include overseeing YPM’s financial standing, creating and managing a budget, and managing scholarships that YPM offers.

Deputy Premier – Xiao Zhang

Xiao first joined YPM as the member from La Prairie in the 98th Session. He joined Cabinet in the 99th Session as the Minister of Supply and Service, and then presented the Online Video Game Regulation Act as the Minister of Revenue in the 100th Session.

Xiao graduated from Westgate Mennonite Collegiate and is currently studying Computer Science and Biochemistry at the University of Winnipeg. He has a passion for scientific research and hopes to incorporate modern technology into the healthcare field. In his free time, he enjoys exploring nature and playing sports with friends. Whenever he’s not outdoors, he is probably tinkering around with his robotics projects and spending time with family.

As Deputy Premier, Xiao serves as the Vice-Chairperson. The Deputy Premier’s responsibilities include overseeing YPM’s recruitment strategy, external relations, and communications strategy; and managing the registration framework for Session.

House Leader – Charlize Medina

Charlize joined YPM in the 97th Session as the Member from Trinity. She served four years on Cabinet as the P.S. to Human Resources, Minister of Publications, and Registrar General before being elected to the Executive in 2023. During her time on Cabinet, she presented two bills – the Community Service Act, and the Cashless Society Act.

Charlize graduated from Sisler High School in 2020 and is currently studying Political Science at the University of Toronto. She has served as an executive member for several student-run organizations and enjoys volunteering her time to the community. She is also passionate about the arts and takes pleasure in visiting museums and galleries.

As House Leader, Charlize serves as the Director of Procedures. The House Leader’s responsibilities include overseeing logistical planning and creating the schedule for Session.

Cabinet is YPM’s volunteer organizing committee. Members of the previous year’s Session are eligible to apply for Cabinet.

Portfolios on Cabinet range from managing our social media, designing and marketing our merchandise, scheduling clerks and pages for Session, writing Session’s daily newspaper, and more!

Three Cabinet ministers, also known as bill-presenting ministers, write the legislation debated at Session.

Bill-Presenting Ministers

• Madison Jones
• Myles Cesario
• Jourmae Abengoza

Team Deputy Speaker

• Ministry of Revenue: Madison Jones
• Ministry of Alumni Affairs: Prabhnoor Singh
• Ministry of Defence: Myles Cesario
• Ministry of Internal Affairs: Matthew Sévigny & Sifa Kagondu
• Ministry of Supply and Service: Trinity Sperling & Alex Brydon-DuBois

Team Deputy Premier

• Registrar General: Rowan Hildebrand
• Ministry of Human Resources: Jourmae Abengoza
• Ministry of Communications: Julian McArthur
• Ministry of External Affairs: Sarah Fontaine-Sinclair & Ridhwanlai Badmos
• Ministry of Public Relations: Lien Huynh & Ayanna Gualdrapa

Team House Leader

• Ministry of Government Services: Inti Nemogá Stout
• Ministry of Labour: Hawanatu Bangura & Annette Colbert
• Ministry of Publications: Sophie Tosic & Adam Katz
• Armstrong Whip: Aiden Peters
• Thompson Whip: Isadora Kwoczynska-Brown