Saskatchewan Students Spend a Special Day in the Legislative Assembly

Released on November 5, 2015

Today, Grade 7 and 8 students from Coronach School and Grade 8 students from St. Michael School in Moose Jaw are visiting the Saskatchewan Legislative Building to learn about the province’s history and democratic process, by getting an up-close look at how government works.

“Learning about government through A Day in the Legislative Assembly will not only be a memorable experience, but will hopefully have a strong and lasting impact on the students,” Minister responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission Mark Docherty said.  “These bright young people will one day take over the responsibilities that come with democracy and I’m optimistic this program may encourage some to come back here to sit as Members of the Legislative Assembly themselves.”

The students will first have the distinction of being introduced in the House followed by the opportunity to attend Question Period.  After lunch, they will be escorted back to the Chamber, where they will each take a Member’s seat to listen and ask questions at a panel discussion led by Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Dan D’Autremont.  Other participants include Parks, Culture and Sport and Minister Responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission Mark Docherty, Saskatoon Centre MLA David Forbes, and Clerk of the Legislative Assembly Greg Putz.  The students will finish their day with a tour of the building.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Saskatchewan students, as there is no greater teaching method or way to learn than a real life experience,” Coronach School teacher Belinda Spagrud said.  “My class is excited to visit the Legislative Assembly, which makes them excited to learn!  They will remember this visit for a very long time and be able to discuss how the government works with firsthand knowledge - having seen democracy in action.”

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to see government in action,” St. Michael School teacher Donna Wells said.  “As part of Social Studies, students have learned about the democratic process and now they get to see it.  Students have been looking forward to connecting with the history of this province.  I am hoping that students will realize that although democracy is taken for granted, it is really a responsibility for all citizens and I hope that they will want to get involved.”

A Day in the Legislative Assembly is now offered twice a year by the Provincial Capital Commission.  It supports the mandate to educate youth about the history and governance of the province while inspiring pride in Saskatchewan’s capital city.

The next event is planned for spring 2016.

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For more information, contact:

Sean St. George
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9087
Email: sean.st.george@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8635