University of Toronto Model Parliament
The University of Toronto Model Parliament (UTMP) is a not-for-profit and non-partisan organization which hosts an annual conference in the Ontario Legislative Assembly at Queen’s Park, and the adjacent Trinity College campus. UTMP draws its delegation from a number of Toronto-area high schools, and the Canadian university community.
The conference is not simply an exercise in the pomp and pageantry of parliamentary democracy, or an experience which is intended to exist in isolation. The University of Toronto Model Parliament is dedicated to creating youth-driven epistemic communities engaged with issues in federal and provincial public policy and governance. UTMP’s conference programming is designed to acquaint delegates with the functional aspects of Canadian government, immerse them in meaningful debate over public policy, and present them with the opportunity to engage themselves in research and discourse following the conference. To that end, the UTMP strives to to inspire a generation of Canadians to commit themselves to the public good.
The Churchill Awards
The Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy believes model parliaments are an excellent way to introduce young Canadians to the practical workings of parliamentary democracy. The Churchill Society has a made a financial contribution on behalf of its members and donors to the University of Toronto Model Parliament.
In addition to the establishment of the needs-based Churchill Society bursaries to cover the cost of registration, the following merit-based awards will be presented to the top junior and senior participants:
The Churchill Award will be given to the delegate who best demonstrates the clarity of argument, oratorical skill, and rhetorical style of Sir Winston Churchill.
The Churchill Party Leadership Award will be given to the delegate who demonstrates leadership in their capacity as a party leader.
The Churchill Literary Award will be given to the delegate who makes the most thoughtful and well-written contributions to the Parliamentary Hansard while in session.
The Churchill Leadership Awards will be given to Junior Directors on the Executive Board who have demonstrated commitment, creativity, and initiative while organizing the University of Toronto Model Parliament.
The Churchill Peacemaker’s Awards will be given to the delegates who best represents the ideals of parliamentary democracy, by conducting themselves in a cooperative and constructive manner while in session.
The Inaugural Session will take place in the Ontario Legislature February 10, 11, 12, 2010.
University of Toronto
By virtue of its namesake affiliation, the UTMP has access to the extensive resources of the University of Toronto, Trinity College, the Munk Centre for International Studies, and Toronto’s nascent public policy community. Such resources connect the organization with a broad network of academics, politicians, and practitioners, enhancing the conference experience for delegates. As part of the Plenary Session/Election Day programming, the UTMP has organized a number of workshops and speaking events with various leaders in the field of public policy; a full list of speakers will be announced shortly.
Public Policy Research Initiative
Through its research apparatus, the Public Policy Research Initiative, the UTMP provides its delegation with qualified resources to engage in meaningful and informed debate over issues in public policy. The PPRI also works closely with the simulation’s organizers to design and conduct workshops on the legislative & policy-making processes during the Plenary Session/Election Day. For high-school delegations, the UTMP undertakes off-site outreach activities including lectures, workshops, and round-table discussions.
Meaningful Opportunities
UTMP connects its delegation with a number of meaningful opportunities following the conference. The organization is affiliated with various of student groups including The Policy Exchange, a Journal of Canadian and International Public Policy, The Public Policy Research Initiative, and The International Relations Society. Delegates can have their work published in an academic journal, engage in collaborative research, and immerse themselves in a vibrant academic community. UTMP is not intended to be an experience in isolation – rather, it strives to be the beginning of a conversation about the issues which affect Canadian society, and the ways youth can collectively address them.
Format
Delegates are encouraged to prepare for the conference immediately following registration, which typically occurs in early fall. Delegates receive login credentials for the UTMP online community, where they form political parties, create strategy, and engage in a continuing debate over public policy. In early December, the delegation is convened for the plenary session of the conference, where they take part in seminars and workshops on the parliamentary system, law-making, and select debates in Canadian public policy. On Election Day, the delegation elects party leaders and forms a mock Ontario government.
In late January, the delegation reconvenes for the three day simulation at the Ontario Legislative Assembly. During the simulation, the delegation engages in parliamentary debate, meets in caucuses, and passes mock legislation which has been prepared in advance.
History
The University of Toronto Model Parliament was founded in 2008 by a group of undergraduate students at the University of Toronto. It was formally constituted in January of 2009, and was subsequently recognized by the Student Life at the University of Toronto. The organization is currently housed in the Munk Centre for International Studies, which is located in the heart of the University’s St. George campus.
Contract Information
Michael Motala, Founder & Chairman
michael.motala@utmodelparliament.org
Bedour Alagraa, Executive Director
bedour.alagraa@utmodelparliament.org