Former Ontario MPPs Visit Trent Politics Class
Students get a glimpse into a career in politics
Early morning class isn’t always a favourite among students, but early this week, Trent’s POST 2012H Democratizing Canada class was packed, as the Trent University Political Studies department welcomed former Progressive Conservative MPP for York South, Mr. John Parker, and former New Democrat MPP for Durham East, Mr. Douglas Moffatt, for a guest lecture.
The visit was part of the Queen’s Park to Campus program which brings universities and colleges together with the provincial government to give students the opportunity to ask questions and get a glimpse into a career in public service as an MPP.
"The Queen's Park to Campus program is a great opportunity for students to hear real-life insight into some of the ideas and issues they're studying,” said Dr. Devin Penner, professor of Political Studies at Trent. “Having experienced the Canadian political process, former MPPs are able to add a unique dimension to class debates about the state of Canadian democracy."
During the Trent visit, the former MPPs listened as students shared perspectives on Ontario’s social and economic outlook and shared their own highlights and challenges experienced during their tenure at Queen’s Park.
"It's easy to take a cynical view of politics today – political debate tends to be very shallow and strategic, with sensational headlines dominating a crowded media landscape,” explained Prof. Penner. “Hearing passionate and personal stories from former MPPs about why they entered politics and their proudest achievements helps put a human face to politics. Hopefully these stories will encourage students to get involved."
On February 2 Mr. Parker will return to Trent alongside former Liberal MPP for Halton Centre, Ms. Barbara Sullivan to visit students in the POST 1002H Politics and Power class.