YouTube

Hello Everyone!
I have started a YouTube channel for more visuals of what I am working on after the Forum. Take a look!
Thanks,
Shannon

Thoughts on the Election (Round Two)

*This is the second time I have written this*

I am sitting in my living room right now watching the Leader's Debate for the federal election that is happening at the beginning of May. I find it very interesting to hear what they have to say based on questions sent in by Canadians from across the country. One of the topics was how Canada can redeem itself on the global stage. I find this topic very interesting especially listening to the different responses from the different political parties. I'm sorry but a bunch of men in suits should not (and in my opinion do not) make up what the world thinks about Canada. It is the people and the communities and the families that make a country what it is, not the government. I hope that I am not alone in thinking that the government is not the only thing that can make change in Canada. I believe that I have the power to make a difference in my community and I know Girl Guides and other members of society that can make a change in their community and then- BAM the entire country has changed. This is how change can happen and this is how change should happen, not just through governments or politics.

 

I know I sound a bit rant-y but I think it is important to show that I care about what will happen in my country and I have the responsibility as a Canadian citizen to make my voice heard. There are people all over the world that are fighting and dying for their right to vote so we as Canadians need to use our right, our responsibility to shape what our government looks like and what they choose to do. It doesn't matter who you vote for or why you vote for a specific party just make your voice heard and vote on May 2nd.

Alberta Girls' Parliament

     I did not update last week because I was at a very exciting event called Alberta Girls' Parliament. This year was the fortieth session and it was a lot of fun. I am always really interested to see the passion and the excitement in the young women who come to AGP and it is incredible to see how much they learn and grow in five short days.
     We had guest speakers from the University of Alberta Debate society who taught the girls about public speaking and forming arguments. They also played some games about improvisation and speaking. We also had two Members of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta (MLAs) from opposing parties the Conservatives and the NDP. Hearing about the provincial government from two different sides was very interesting because it gave the girls something to think about. The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Donald Ethel, came to prorogue parliament and then spoke to the girls about how important an event like AGP is.
     The debates were very interesting this year because the girls debated difficult topics like making Alberta's organ donation program an opt out system, having mandated sexual health classes for students Kindergarten to Grade Twelve, and requiring all livestock to be raised free range and chemical free. These topics are pretty tricky but generally the girls did a great job and the people who watched were very impressed.
     The trip to the Legislature is always an interesting event because I have been there so many times and I feel like I know a lot about the history, the symbols, the architecture, and the artwork, but I learn something every time! We got to sit in on question period which was neat because there are a lot of things going on in our government right now. Overall it was a great experience.
     I don't want to bore you with the details but it was a good event that really encouraged female empowerment and using your voice to say something you think needs to be said. I hope that the girls learned a lot and will continue to use their voices when they feel that they need to be heard.