2023 Program: Doing Democracy Differently
Weekend 1: May 13-14 - Personal Identity, Motivation and Political Identity
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the program expectations, simulation activities and main components
- Learn how to develop a personal biography
- Gain an understanding of party identity
- Develop a vision for their party
8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Welcome to the Institute for Future Legislators!
The Institute for Future Legislators at Toronto Metropolitan University seeks to engage thoughtful community members who are interested in exploring not only what today’s legislatures look like, but what could be - particularly those from groups underrepresented as legislators today.
9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Welcome to the Institute for Future Legislators 2023! We will begin this program with introductions and provide you with an overview of the program.
Speakers:
- Pamela Sugiman, Dean, Faculty of Arts
- Amy Peng, Associate Dean of Innovation in Teaching and Learning, Faculty of Arts
- Peggy Nash, Institute for Future Legislators Co-Lead and former Member of Parliament
- Sara Singh, Institute for Future Legislators Co-Lead and former Member of Provincial Parliament
- John Beebe, Senior Advisor, Democratic Engagement, Faculty of Arts
- Josel Angelica Gerardo, Operations Administrator, Faculty of Arts
9:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
This panel brings in former political leaders in provincial and federal levels to have a conversation on motivation, defining your ‘why’ and building trust. Why did they run? Why does politics matter? How does their identity influence their politics?
Moderators:
- Peggy Nash, Institute for Future Legislators Co-Lead and former Member of Parliament
- Sara Singh, Institute for Future Legislators Co-Lead and former Member of Provincial Parliament
The Honourable Darrell Dexter, former Premier of Nova Scotia, is an Honourary Distinguished Fellow with the MacEachen Institute at Dalhousie University and Vice Chair with Global Public Affairs. Darrell joined Global Public Affairs in 2015 and is a senior member of the Global team, working with the firm’s public affairs experts across the country.
Darrell assumed the leadership of the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party (NDP) in 2001 and led it to form the first-ever provincial NDP government in Atlantic Canada, becoming the 27th Premier of Nova Scotia. As Premier, he earned praise for launching a renewable energy strategy and progressive social policy. Darrell oversaw ambitious new environmental policies and was presented with a Climate Leadership in Canada award at the 2009 UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. As Chair of the Council of the Federation from 2012-13, Darrell worked to establish the Pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance and improve the flow of interprovincial trade.
Since leaving public life, Darrell has been active with various organizations on democracy-building and governance projects. He led two international election observer missions to Tunisia in 2014. He was an OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights election observer in Ukraine. He is currently is Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of Alderney Landing Cultural Centre.
Darrell holds Bachelors of Arts and Journalism from the University of King’s College as well as degrees in Education and Law from Dalhousie University.
Deb Matthews earned a Ph.D. (2005) from Western University in Social Demography, with an interest in the impact of immigration on Canada.
She was elected to the Ontario Legislature representing the riding of London North Centre in 2003 and served until 2018. She held a range of ministerial portfolios, including Deputy Premier, Children and Youth Services, Poverty Reduction, Health and Long-Term Care, President of the Treasury Board and Advanced Education and Skills Development. In each portfolio, she applied a social justice lens in combination with a commitment to evidence-based decision-making.
She currently serves on the Board of the University Health Network, is a senior fellow at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and acts as a consultant in the health sector.
Deb is a mother of three adult children and Nana to five.
11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
In collaboration with the Career, Co-op & Student Success Centre
This workshop provides foundational knowledge on how to build your networking skills to leverage your personal story and conditions of election. Networking allows you to build your professional profile, strengthen stakeholder relations and build your confidence.
Objective: Develop professional biography and persona in Parliament to understand how to immerse yourself in the simulation.
Facilitators:
- Career, Co-op & Student Success Centre
- Peggy Nash, Institute for Future Legislators Co-Lead and former Member of Parliament
- Sara Singh, Institute for Future Legislators Co-Lead and former Member of Provincial Parliament
Alana Senwasane is the Career Education Specialist supporting Faculty of Arts students and alumni. As a Bachelor of Arts graduate, she is passionate about helping students discover the power of their Arts degree as they build their career for life.
Also an experienced Human Resources Professional, Alana has worked in various industries such as Professional Services, Grocery-Retail, and Software as a Service (SAAS), providing support related to performance management, recruitment, and employee engagement. Alana's excitement for Career Development stems from her own experiences growing her network and uncovering her own career journey since the time she was an undergraduate student. Alana's goal is to empower students to achieve their career goals.
Alana is a feminist, mental-health advocate, and lifelong learner. She enjoys spending time with her dog Walter, listening to podcasts, and trying new recipes.
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
In provincial and federal electoral politics, what is the role of political parties and party identities? How does this affect constituency relations and decision-making for public policy? What’s a caucus? How does it play a role in party politics? What are the different roles in a party? This interactive workshop will have open discussion and Q&A portion.
Objective: Provide future legislators with an understanding of the structure of political parties and responsibilities of elected members
Facilitators:
- Alex Marland, Professor & Head, Department of Political Science, Memorial University
- Peggy Nash, Institute for Future Legislators Co-Lead and former Member of Parliament
- Sara Singh, Institute for Future Legislators Co-Lead and former Member of Provincial Parliament
Alex Marland is trusted by Canadian politicians, political staff and other members of the public sector to respect their conditions for sharing information about what goes on behind the scenes in Canadian politics and governance. He is a co-editor of the UBC Press book series Communication, Strategy, and Politics. His book Brand Command: Canadian Politics and Democracy in the Age of Message Control won the Donner Prize and an Atlantic book award, and his book Whipped: Party Discipline in Canada was shortlisted for the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing. He is a member of the College of the Royal Society of Canada. In July 2023, Alex will begin a new role as Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership at Acadia University, in Nova Scotia.
This caucus is one of many of the simulation activities of the program where you gather with your political party members to conduct a meeting.
Objective: Create branding for your party, map a collective vision and write a vision statement.
Facilitators:
- Sam Dano, Facilitator & Zaima Aurony, Program Assistant
- Jovelee Santos Herrera, Facilitator & Jessie Estwick, Program Assistant
- Gaaya Srimarthandan, Facilitator & Frederic Feknous, Program Assistant
4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
As we end the first day of the IFL program, we are going to conduct a debrief on your experiences thus far, ask about your key takeaways and hear more about what you’re looking forward to in this program.
Objective: Gather feedback from participants
Facilitators:
- Sam Dano, Facilitator & Zaima Aurony, Program Assistant
- Jovelee Santos Herrera, Facilitator & Jessie Estwick, Program Assistant
- Gaaya Srimarthandan, Facilitator & Frederic Feknous, Program Assistant
Join us for an evening of celebrating the beginning of the Institute, and celebrating you. At this reception, we are going to engage with interactive art, listen to current political leaders and emerging leaders who are eager to share a message, while enjoying each other’s company as we get to know each other more. Food and beverages are provided.
Special Guests:
- Ausma Malik, City Councillor, Ward 10 – Spadina—Fort York
- Board of Directors, Society of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
Ausma Malik is your City Councillor for Ward 10 – Spadina–Fort York.
The first hijab-wearing Muslim woman elected to public office in Canada, Councillor Malik is known for staring down hate and inspiring hope for racial justice, economic reconstruction, and democratic renewal.
As Toronto City Councillor, Ausma brings her local knowledge and experience to be a champion for affordable housing, vibrant public spaces, improved public transit, and safer streets for everyone.
Ausma has spent her life working to build a better city, more caring communities and inclusive civic spaces. From student organizing to environmental activism, from child care advocacy and education accessibility to policy innovation that improves lives, she has experienced first-hand the power of working together.
From 2014 to 2018, Ausma served our downtown communities as a Trustee elected to the Toronto District School Board, where she was successful in getting Jean Lumb Public School built – the first new downtown public school in over twenty years.
From 2016 to 2022, Ausma was the Director of Advocacy and Organizing at the Atkinson Foundation, where she collaborated with grassroots organizers, policy innovators, and other movement builders to advocate for decent work and a fair economy.
Ausma is proud to serve Ward 10, Spadina–Fort York, and knows we can do more in Toronto to bring people in, not push people out. Ausma’s vision for Toronto is a green, just, and caring city – a Toronto that works for all of us, includes all of us and gives voice to all of us.
Learning Outcomes
- Create a party vision and developing party identity
- Understand the varying roles of party leadership and elect their leadership team (Leader, Whip, House Leader and Caucus Chair)
- Gain insight into party affiliation, party discipline and structure
9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Welcome to the 2nd day of the Institute's Weekend 1! Enjoy free breakfast as you sign-in.
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
This panel brings in former and current parliamentarians in provincial and federal levels to have a conversation on party discipline, party affiliation and identity.
Objective: Discuss the effects of political identity and personal politics.
Speakers:
- Matthew Green, Member of Parliament for Hamilton Centre
Moderator:
- John Beebe, Adjunct Professor and Founder, The Democratic Engagement Exchange
Matthew Green was first elected Member of Parliament for Hamilton Centre in 2019 and re-elected in 2021. Previously, he served for the 2014-2018 term as the Ward 3 Councillor, and first person of colour to be elected to Hamilton City Council.
Matthew is honoured to be the NDP Critic for Ethics, Treasury Board, Deputy Critic for Employment and Workforce Development, Deputy Critic for Labour, and Deputy Critic for Public Services and Procurement. He also serves as the Joint Chair for the Special Joint Committee on the Declaration of Emergency. He strives to ensure that the working-class values of Hamilton are represented in Ottawa, and is committed to fighting for universal pharmacare, affordable housing, urgent action on the environment, racial justice, and the rights of Indigenous peoples.
Matthew has a B.A. in political science and legal studies from Acadia University, as well as certificates in government leadership and social enterprise initiatives from Harvard University.
Amanda Simard is a former Member of Provincial Parliament in Ontario (2018-2022), Chair of the International Network of Young Parliamentarians of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (2019-2022), and Municipal Councillor (2014-2018). Prior to her election as an MPP, she worked at the Parliament of Canada for eight years. Amanda is a graduate of the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law (Juris Doctor), and is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Medal.
11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
This mini workshop will consist of defining the party roles and their responsibilities, and explaining the voting procedures in a caucus.
Objective: Provide future legislators with an overview of key roles and expectations within political parties to prepare for elections of party leaders.
Facilitators:
- Peggy Nash, Institute for Future Legislators Co-Lead and former Member of Parliament
- Sara Singh, Institute for Future Legislators Co-Lead and former Member of Provincial Parliament
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
This caucus meeting allows you to exercise the democratic process of electing your political party leaders (Leader, Whip, Caucus Chair and House Leader), and determine your parliamentary roles through a secret paper ballot. These roles are key aspects that will enhance your simulation experience as you navigate and learn more about the role of being a legislator.
Objective: Elect party leaders.
Facilitators:
- Sam Dano, Facilitator & Zaima Aurony, Program Assistant
- Jovelee Santos Herrera, Facilitator & Jessie Estwick, Program Assistant
- Gaaya Srimarthandan, Facilitator & Frederic Feknous, Program Assistant
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
This workshop will demonstrate the positive impacts of parliamentarians, no matter how big or how small.
Objective: To learn how to celebrate the wins in representing your constituents, no matter how big or how small.
3:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
This caucus meeting aims to encourage participants to build a defining aspect of their party with a focus on creating cohesion and collectivity.
Objective: Work with your caucus to draft a collective party statement on the question of “How should we honour Canada Day?”. These statements will be posted on ‘social media’ and be presented at a ‘press conference’.
Facilitators:
- Sam Dano, Facilitator & Zaima Aurony, Program Assistant
- Jovelee Santos Herrera, Facilitator & Jessie Estwick, Program Assistant
- Gaaya Srimarthandan, Facilitator & Frederic Feknous, Program Assistant
4:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Each caucus will be responsible for providing a party statement during a press conference.
Objective: Show a united front
5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
As we end the first weekend of the IFL program, we are going to debrief on your experiences thus far and hear more about what you’re looking forward to in this program as a group. There will be a focus on reflecting on the objectives and learning outcomes. Brief details and instructions will be provided to prepare you for the next weekend of programming.
Objective: Debrief and reflect on the first weekend’s experiences. Provide a guide on pre-weekend 2 activities.
Facilitators:
- Peggy Nash, Institute for Future Legislators Co-Lead and former Member of Parliament
- Sara Singh, Institute for Future Legislators Co-Lead and former Member of Provincial Parliament
5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Each party’s leadership team will be asked to stay longer for a meeting.
Objective: Learn more about the role of party leadership and understand key responsibilities moving forward.
Facilitators:
- Sam Dano, Facilitator & Zaima Aurony, Program Assistant
- Jovelee Santos Herrera, Facilitator & Jessie Estwick, Program Assistant
- Gaaya Srimarthandan, Facilitator & Frederic Feknous, Program Assistant
Weekend 2: May 27-28 - Parliamentary Readiness Bootcamp
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the basic elements of an order paper and identify key activities of elected members
- Gain experience in developing questions for question period and committee hearings
- Identify key demographics and constituent concerns, and tailor written communication for those demographics
- Develop their political communication skills and communication tools for various constituent demographics
8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Welcome to Weekend 2 of the IFL!
Sign-in and enjoy a free breakfast reception with us.
9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.
Hon. Geoff Regan will facilitate a workshop on House of Commons Chamber decorum, understanding the order paper and providing an overview on the role of the speaker.
Objective: Understand the decorum, roles and responsibilities of legislators in the Chamber, review the order paper, and prepare for the election of the Speaker.
Facilitator: Hon. Geoff Regan, Former Speaker of the House of Commons and Member of Parliament, Halifax West
Geoff Regan retired from elected office in September 2021, after serving as a Member of Parliament for more than 24 years. He was Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada from 2015 to 2019. From 2003 to 2006, he was Canada’s Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister Responsible for Nova Scotia. Prior to being elected to Parliament, Geoff practiced real estate and commercial law in Bedford and Halifax. He is married to the Hon. Kelly Regan, MLA for Bedford Basin, and they have three adult children.
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
This panel will form a discussion around the political theatre that occurs in the House which is used to leverage the effectiveness of legislative debates, asking good questions and getting your parties’ messages across. This discussion will also revolve around how to put the constituents’ voices on the table to bring in locality at the House, demonstrating the importance of parliamentary debates, and how it has changed through social media.
Objective: Understand the role of political theatre, learn how to ask effective questions, and apply the Parliamentarians’ experiences and advice to the parliamentary simulation activities.
Moderator: Hon. Geoff Regan, Former Speaker of the House of Commons and Member of Parliament, Halifax West
Craig Scott is a Professor of Law and Associate Dean (Academic), at Osgoode Hall Law School of York University, Toronto.
Prior to starting his academic career, he served as a law clerk to the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, Brian Dickson. He attended the Universities of Oxford and London on a Rhodes Scholarship.
Professor at Faculty of Law, University of Toronto, 1989-2001. Left U of T to join Osgoode in 2000 following term as Jean Monnet Fellow at the European University Institute in Florence. Ikerbasque Fellow with Basque Government’s Foundation for Science, based in Bilbao at the Universidad de Deusto (2010-11). Founding Director of York’s Jack and Mae Nathanson Centre on Transnational Human Rights, Crime and Security from 2006 until the end of 2011.
Served as Member of Parliament for Toronto-Danforth in Canada’s House of Commons and as the NDP Official Opposition Critic for Democratic and Parliamentary Reform (Mar. 2012 – Oct. 2015).
Various constitutional, human rights and democracy, and international law involvements beyond Canada, especially concerning Bosnia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Honduras. Series editor of Bloomsbury/Hart’s Monographs in Transnational and International Law. Founding Editor of journal Transnational Legal Theory.
Panel of Senior Advisors to the Auditor General of Canada. Board member, 2018-2022. Since 2020, Board member and currently Chair of digital-democracy and collaborative decision-making “B” corporation, Ethelo Decisions.
11:10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
This workshop will provide the foundational knowledge that future legislators will need to effectively communicate their party and/or constituents concerns through question period, and understand the importance of members’ statements.
Objective: Learn how to effectively ask and answer questions, and deliver members' statements. Future legislators will break into their caucuses to apply their new found knowledge and practice with their members how to write questions, deliver oral questions, and receive feedback.
Facilitators:
- Sam Dano, Facilitator & Zaima Aurony, Program Assistant
- Jovelee Santos Herrera, Facilitator & Jessie Estwick, Program Assistant
- Gaaya Srimarthandan, Facilitator & Frederic Feknous, Program Assistant
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
What is the role of the media in politics? How do parliamentarians interact with the media and the public? What are approaches and methods for effective political communications? This workshop will provide an opportunity for future legislators to apply the knowledge that they gained through simulated activities.
Objective: Understand effective communication strategists to connect with the media and the public.
Martin Regg Cohn is a political columnist for the Toronto Star, Canada’s largest daily newspaper, writing on domestic and international issues. A foreign correspondent for 11 years, he ran the Star’s Middle East and Asia bureaus, reporting from more than 40 countries — ranging from Afghanistan to Yemen. He was also Foreign Editor, a world affairs columnist, and covered national politics from Ottawa.
Nominated five times for the National Newspaper Award, he also received an Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada fellowship to research Islam in Indonesia, and won the Amnesty International Media Award for his coverage from Sudan.
He is a Visiting Practitioner in the Faculty of Arts at Toronto Metropolitan University, where he founded the Democracy Forum at TMU. He is also a Senior Fellow at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, and has lectured for New York Times Journeys across the Middle East. A native of Montreal, he studied economics at King’s College and Dalhousie University.
3:10 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
This caucus meeting aims to provide a space for future legislators to understand the bills that will be debated during the parliamentary simulation in Ottawa. A comprehensive explanation of the bills, debates and legislative process will be provided. Facilitators will present a mini workshop on the best strategies of persuasion in crossing party lines, creating consensus and leveraging points for support.
Objective: Work with your caucus to understand the bills for debates, create a speakers’ list, and prepare for the debates.
4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
As we dive through the second weekend of the IFL program, we are going to conduct a debrief on your experiences thus far, ask about your key takeaways and hear more about what you’re looking forward to in this program.
Objective: Gather feedback from future legislators.
Facilitators:
- Sam Dano, Facilitator & Zaima Aurony, Program Assistant
- Jovelee Santos Herrera, Facilitator & Jessie Estwick, Program Assistant
- Gaaya Srimarthandan, Facilitator & Frederic Feknous, Program Assistant
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify constituent demographics and how to respond to their concerns
- Prepare for committee and understand parliamentary protocols
- Develop effective communication tools to address constituent needs
- Understand the mechanics of committee hearings
- Review road map for Ottawa
9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Welcome to Weekend 2 of the IFL!
Sign-in and enjoy a free breakfast reception with us.
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
This panel seeks to create a discussion on the importance of voters during elections to meaningful representation in parliament, featuring current and former parliamentarians in provincial and federal politics. It will provide the foundational knowledge prior to the workshop on communicating with constituents.
Speakers:
- Bhutila Karpoche, Member of Provincial Parliament, Parkdale—High Park
- Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine P.C., C.M., O.Ont., C.B.E.
- Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario
Moderator:
- Sara Singh, Institute for Future Legislators Co-Lead and former Member of Provincial Parliament
Bhutila Karpoche is the Member of Provincial Parliament for Parkdale—High Park. In June 2018, Bhutila made history by becoming the first person of Tibetan heritage to be elected to public office in North America. She was re-elected in 2022.
Bhutila is active on the issues of social justice and public health. She is a longtime advocate of affordable housing, workers’ rights, and public healthcare.
An epidemiologist by training, Bhutila is a public health researcher focusing on the social determinants of health. She is a co-author of the report “A public health crisis in the making: The health impacts of precarious work on racialized refugee and immigrant women."
Bhutila holds degrees from the University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto and is a PhD candidate (on leave) in policy studies at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Bhutila has presented at many academic conferences and is the recipient of numerous awards including the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal.
She was voted Toronto's Best MPP by Now Magazine readers for 3 consecutive years, was voted Toronto's Best Local Politician by Toronto Star readers, named one of Toronto's Most Inspirational Women of the year by TRNTO Magazine, one of Canada's Top 25 Immigrants by Canadian Immigrant Magazine, and was named one of the 2023 Women Disruptors by Violet Simon Magazine.
Jean Augustine immigrated to Canada in 1960 and worked as a nanny, teacher, principal, and later chair of the Metro Toronto Housing Authority while raising two girls. In 1993, she became the first Black Woman elected to Parliament. Her distinguished tenure included service as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister; Minister of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women; Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee; and Deputy Speaker of Parliament.
Her legislative successes include the historic Black History Month Motion; and the ground-breaking Famous Five Motion, which authorized the first and still the only statues on Parliament Hill depicting women - - other than Queen Elizabeth. From 2007 to 2015, she served as Ontario’s first-ever Fairness Commissioner. In 2008, the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora was launched at York University to help advance education, equity and inclusiveness. Also in her name are a Girls’ Leadership Academy in Scarborough; a Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment and a municipal park in Etobicoke; a Secondary
School in Brampton, and a multi-purpose complex and district park in Vaughan. A member of the Order of Canada, Order of Ontario and Commander of the Order of the British Empire, Jean Augustine holds honourary doctorates from the universities of McGill, Toronto, York, Windsor, Guelph, Trent and Ryerson; is a senior fellow at Centennial and Massey College; and supports scholarships at George Brown, Centennial and Humber College.
Mike Schreiner, leader of the Green Party of Ontario, became Ontario’s first Green MPP when he was elected to represent the riding of Guelph in 2018. He was re-elected in 2022 with an increased majority, gaining more than 54 per cent of the total vote.
Growing up on a farm, Mike was instilled with a passion for protecting people, animals, and the planet at a young age. As the Leader of the Ontario Greens since 2009, Mike’s constituents recognize him as a champion for climate action, income equality, and honest, transparent leadership.
Mike is active at Queen’s Park, working across party lines to be a strong advocate for climate action, local food and water initiatives, protecting Ontario’s farmland and green spaces, affordable housing, supporting frontline healthcare workers, small business, and mental health. He has introduced legislation to cap Ontario’s carbon emissions, while making reporting on yearly emissions’ numbers mandatory; build affordable housing; reintroduce green retrofit subsidies; conserve drinking water; bring mental health services under OHIP; and to get big money out of politics.
Mike passed Ontario’s first Green law in 2019, which protects electric vehicle drivers by making it illegal to block EV charging stations and spearheaded the first Bill to be signed by all four parties, the Emancipation Month Act. Prior to entering politics, Mike was a successful entrepreneur, small business owner, and one of the early advocates of the local food movement. He founded multiple initiatives, including Local Food Plus, WOW Foods and EarthDance Organics, to connect sustainable farmers with Ontario households.
Mike, his wife Sandy, and their two daughters like to spend their free time gardening, hiking, fishing, cycling, and staying active.
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Constituency relations is one of the primary responsibilities of a legislator. This workshop will teach future legislators how to conduct effective communications with constituents and highlight the importance of this responsibility. Afterwards, future legislators will apply their newfound knowledge in breakout sessions to respond to constituent concerns (two major issues) through preparing a standard response.
Objective: Understand the importance of our constituents in building a meaningful relationship with them through effective communications.
Facilitators:
- Peggy Nash, Institute for Future Legislators Co-Lead and former Member of Parliament
- Sara Singh, Institute for Future Legislators Co-Lead and former Member of Provincial Parliament
- Sam Dano, Facilitator & Zaima Aurony, Program Assistant
- Jovelee Santos Herrera, Facilitator & Jessie Estwick, Program Assistant
- Gaaya Srimarthandan, Facilitator & Frederic Feknous, Program Assistant
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
This workshop will provide an overview of the roles and responsibilities in committee hearings, and set clear expectations on the purposes of a committee. Afterwards, future legislators will break into their caucuses.
Objective: Understand the roles and responsibilities as a future legislator in a committee hearing. Get a clearer insight to the objectives of the committee hearings in Ottawa (amendments package exercise).
Facilitator:
- Peggy Nash, Institute for Future Legislators Co-Lead and former Member of Parliament
- Sara Singh, Institute for Future Legislators Co-Lead and former Member of Provincial Parliament
- Sam Dano, Facilitator & Zaima Aurony, Program Assistant
- Jovelee Santos Herrera, Facilitator & Jessie Estwick, Program Assistant
- Gaaya Srimarthandan, Facilitator & Frederic Feknous, Program Assistant
3:45 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
To end the second weekend and in preparation for the last weekend, future legislators will have the opportunity to apply their new found skills and practice Question Period and Media Scrum.
Question period
- Each caucus will select 2 members to ask questions, and the government to respond.
- Government members will select one member to ask the government a question.
Media Scrum
- Facilitators will ask questions and simulate scrum for students.
- Each party will have a chance to answer up to two questions from the media based on questions from the question period.
4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Prior to the last weekend in Ottawa, we will review weekend three activities in Ottawa, provide more information regarding the parliamentary simulation and key logistical information.
Facilitators:
- Peggy Nash, Institute for Future Legislators Co-Lead and former Member of Parliament
- Sara Singh, Institute for Future Legislators Co-Lead and former Member of Provincial Parliament
- Josel Angelica Gerardo, Operations Administrator, Faculty of Arts
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
The program leads and facilitators will meet with the leadership teams to provide guidance on strategy and decision-making in preparation for the third weekend in Ottawa.
Weekend 3: June 9-11 - Parliamentary Simulation in Ottawa
Learning Outcomes
- Become familiar with the Senate and House of Commons
- Have a solid understanding of the activities and expectations of the weekend
- Be able to develop their knowledge of elected representatives by means of informal meetings
- Meet Members of Parliament and Senators to informally learn about their life as an elected and appointed representative
7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
All future legislators will meet at a mutual location to board the coach bus.
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
On the road from Toronto to Ottawa. There will be a 30-minute rest stop in between.
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Participants will be dropped off at the Byward Market in Ottawa, and are responsible for getting their own lunch.
3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Participants will be going through guided tours at the House of Commons and Senate of Canada buildings.
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Participants will be provided a room at a hotel in Downtown Ottawa.
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
In collaboration with SENgage
Future legislators will have a chance to meet Members of Parliament and Senators to informally learn about their life as an elected and appointed representative.
Learning Outcomes
- Become familiar with the formalities and procedures of the House of Commons including electing a Speaker
- Understand the daily schedule of a parliamentarian while navigating conflicting pressures and time constraints
- Experience the pressure and consequences of facing the media and the public scrutiny of MP decisions
- Learn how to negotiate with one’s caucus and with MPs in other parties to build support
- Develop team building and conflict resolution skills through caucus meetings
- Participate in debate in the House and in committee
7:00 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.
It's a 15-minute walk from the hotel to the Senate.
Staff will be in front of the Senate building to greet you.
7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Upon entry to the Senate of Canada Building, you are required to show government-issued ID and must also respond to screening questions.
Sign in with a member of the IFL staff in the main foyer.
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Welcome to Weekend 3 of the IFL!
Sign-in and enjoy a free breakfast reception with us.
8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
A meeting amongst the leadership teams in their individual caucuses will be conducted. The facilitators will support the meeting in order to ensure that all caucuses are prepared for the work ahead.
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Officially meet with your caucus to discuss the goals of the day, and provide an overview of each member’s roles and responsibilities which will set you up for success throughout the weekend.
Objective:
- To focus on creating and applying caucus solidarity
- Provides time and space for speeches, committee meetings, members’ statements and question period preparation
- Wellness check-in
10:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Senate staff will provide instructions on how to use the shared space.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
All sitting members will go through the process of electing the Speaker of the House of Commons.
12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
All future legislators are responsible for getting their own lunch.
1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
At the Chamber: Debates in the House of Commons
Introduction of the bills and beginning of the debates.
At the Committee Room: Standing Commitee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (Session 1)
Committee members will go through the first session of a committee hearing on a bill presented to the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs.
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Future legislators will listen to member's statements and go through question period.
3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Media Scrum
- Each party leader has the responsibility to speak to the media regarding recent parliamentary business.
At the Committee Room: Committee Hearing on Indigenous Affairs and Northern Affairs (Session 2)
- Committee members will go through the second session of a committee hearing on a bill presented to the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs.
Constituency Relations
- For members to work on Minister’s and Constituency Inboxes.
4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Debates in the House of Commons
Members will start the second reading of the bills presented earlier in the day.
6:00 p.m.
The House adjourns for the day.
6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
As we end the first day of the Ottawa weekend, we are going to debrief on your experiences thus far, and hear more about your reflections and ideas to prepare for the next day. There will be a focus on reflecting on the objectives and learning outcomes.
Learning Outcomes
- Enhance public speaking skills through their participation in debate, committee and when delivering members statements and oral questions
- Become familiar with procedural processes in the passage of legislation
- Understand the importance of negotiating support in order to pass bills
7:00 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.
It's a 15-minute walk from the hotel to the Senate.
Staff will be in front of the Senate building to greet you.
7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Upon entry to the Senate of Canada Building, you are required to show government-issued ID and must also respond to screening questions.
Sign in with a member of the IFL staff in the main foyer.
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Welcome to Weekend 3 of the IFL!
Sign-in and enjoy a free breakfast reception with us.
8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
A meeting amongst the leadership teams in their individual caucuses will be conducted. The facilitators will support the meeting in order to ensure that all caucuses are prepared for the work ahead.
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Officially meet with your caucus to discuss the goals of the day, and provide an overview of each member’s roles and responsibilities which will set you up for success throughout the weekend.
Objective:
- To focus on creating and applying caucus solidarity
- Provides time and space for speeches, committee meetings, members’ statements and question period preparation
- Wellness check-in
10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Committee Hearing (Session 3)
Committee members will go through the first session of a committee hearing on a bill presented to the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs.
Constituency Relations: Social Media Post - Respond as a Parliamentarian
Objective: Communicate with your constituents your position on recent concerns that went viral through a social media response.
11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Future legislators are provided with this time to prepare for the day's question period and debates.
12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Participants are responsible for getting their own lunch.
1:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Debates in the House of Commons
Future legislators will go through the third reading of the bills presented the day before.
3:00 p.m. - 4:40 p.m.
Report from the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs
A committee member will present the report from the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs.
Member's Statements
15 future legislators will present a statement to the House based on a topic of their choosing that has affected their constituents.
Question Period
Future legislators will commence in a question period between the government, official opposition and third party.
Votes on Bills
Future legislators will be going through the formal voting process of passing legislation.
A 10-minute recess will be provided in between.
4:45 p.m.
The House adjourns for the day.
4:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Each party leader will participate in a media scrum to wrap up the simulation activities.
5:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
In celebration of the end of the Institute 2023 program, we will gather and celebrate at the Senate. It will be an evening filled with reflection and recognition.
Food and beverages are provided.
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
This day will be used as a travel day back to Toronto.