North Ward students get a firsthand lesson in Canadian democracy during Ottawa trip

 North Ward Public School's graduating Grade 8 class poses with Flamborough-Glanbrook-Brant North MP Dan Muys during a visit to the House of Commons on June 3 as part of the school's annual Ottawa trip. The students had the rare opportunity to step onto the floor of Canada's Parliament, learn how the House of Commons operates, and gain a firsthand look at the country's democratic institutions. See inside for the full story.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

For North Ward Public School's graduating Grade 8 class, a recent trip to Ottawa provided more than just lasting memories with classmates before heading off to high school.

As part of the four-day excursion from June 1 to 4, 34 students and four teachers had the opportunity to visit Parliament Hill and step onto the floor of the House of Commons with Flamborough-Glanbrook-Brant North MP Dan Muys.

The June 3 visit offered students a rare behind-the-scenes look at Canada's federal government. Unlike public tours, which are limited to viewing the House of Commons from the galleries above, MPs are permitted to bring groups directly onto the chamber floor before Parliament is in session.

Muys met the students at the Parliament Visitor Welcome Centre before guiding them through security screening and introducing them to the workings of Parliament as the group made its way through West Block, home of the House of Commons while the Centre Block undergoes extensive renovations.

Inside the chamber, students learned about the roles of government and opposition members, the Speaker, parliamentary clerks, simultaneous translation services, and the technology used to broadcast proceedings across the country.

"The students like the opportunity to sit in the seats, including the Speaker's Chair and take photos... the more interactive part of the tour," Muys said in an email to the Paris Independent.

Students were eager to ask questions throughout the visit, ranging from how voting takes place in the House of Commons to the purpose of various screens and features within the chamber.

Muys said one memorable interaction came when he met a North Ward student whose family operates Big Dog Diner in Paris. Having recently attended the restaurant's soft opening, the connection stood out among the many conversations he had with the group.

The tour also included a stop at the Room of Remembrance, where books containing the names of Canadians who died in military service are displayed. The pages are turned daily so that each name is revealed in rotation over time.

Muys believes visits such as these are an important part of helping young Canadians understand how democracy works and why civic participation matters.

"Democracy works best when people participate," he said. "We may not always agree with the outcome, but we have a say."

He noted that governments at all levels play a significant role in shaping people's daily lives and said it is important for students to see Canada's democratic institutions firsthand.

As the students prepare to enter high school, Muys hopes the experience encourages them to stay informed about current events and become active participants in their communities.

"I always encourage young people to get involved in politics," he said. "Support candidates and parties of their choosing. It is their future."

The visit was coordinated through the school's Ottawa trip organizers and Muys' office, which arranged access to the House of Commons floor and provided each student with a Parliament of Canada pen as a keepsake from the experience.

Muys said he hopes to make it an annual tradition.