Students Learn about Political Careers from Experts
Parliament to Campus program reveals importance and diversity of public service
Who says it’s rude to talk about politics? Not the case at Trent University, where four former MPPs recently delivered the Queen’s Park experience straight to students in the Democratizing Canada and Power and Politics courses at Trent University.
“It is crucial for Trent to facilitate an event like this that brings real life from the world of politics into the classroom,” said Ms. Belbin, a second year History and Political Studies student who attended the lecture. “Young people, such as us at Trent, want to be engaged. We are the future. We have control over the outcome of elections, and must let our voices shine through, because we have much to stand up for in terms of our interests and values.”
As part of the Parliament to Campus program, the volunteer members of the Ontario Association of Former Parliamentarians (OAFP) came to Peterborough to engage, enlighten and encourage students to consider their current role in democracy—and possibly a future in public service.
As a veteran of Queen’s Park herself, Dr. Nadine Changfoot, associate professor and chair of Political Studies at Trent, felt the event provided the opportunity for students to apply political concepts learned in class while creating a vision for themselves in their own communities.
“Students told me the visit was fantastic,” stated Professor Changfoot. “I wanted to connect students with former MPPs who have committed themselves to public service, to bring real-life government politics into the classroom and to hear and see the commitment in their voices and stories.”
“Having some diversity in perspective on recent political happenings enhanced the debate, as did the lively engagement of students with our guests!” said Dr. Devin Penner, professor of Political Studies at Trent.
Coming from various political and career backgrounds and party affiliations, MPPs Barbara Sullivan, John Hastings, Steven Gilchrist and Mario Racco shared their experiences and a variety of perspectives on politics. Also having worked as a journalist, teacher, entrepreneur and accountant, they each represented many different avenues into politics.
Students and politicians discussed Ontario’s budget process, economic policy and employment. They also examined the impact of government programs and their shortfalls on Aboriginal peoples, the elderly and the agricultural sector. Learning about the development of Cancer Care Ontario, students also learned how private members bills can get things done.