Andy & Aneesa Go to Ottawa
Over the mid-term break, Grade 11 students Aneesa Khan '27 and Andy Hamilton '27 travelled to Ottawa for four days to participate in the Youth Parliament of Canada. Their Social Science teacher, Mr. Vien, encouraged them to apply for the fully funded opportunity to take part in this bilingual parliamentary simulation.
Both students, highly engaged and deeply interested in current events, eagerly submitted their applications and were selected to join 73 youth from across the country. Over the long weekend, they connected with peers from every province and territory, representing a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
According to Andy, “Aneesa and I spent over 10 hours in the Senate debating three bills and proposed our own amendments to them in committee groups. I personally introduced the motion to amend a bill regarding tariffs and how they change based on how democratic a country is deemed to be. Additionally, we met four staffers on the Hill and two senators. MP Elizabeth May from the Green Party and the Speaker of the House [MP Francis Scarpaleggia] also attended one of our panels.”
Aneesa was equally enthusiastic about the experience. “We met so many MPs, Senators, journalists, and people working in public policy and political research. We visited the House of Commons, but we actually spent most of our time in the Senate, sitting in the Senators’ chairs and debating different bills. Our group managed to pass two of the three bills we worked on. Part of the process involved challenging other groups’ proposals or introducing reforms and amendments. I was really excited that my bill was passed, and Andy’s amendment was approved as well.”
Reflecting on the experience, she added, “I met so many remarkable people: students with full-ride offers to top universities, others coming from small community colleges in Saskatchewan, and even a few from Yellowknife and across the territories.”
Both Andy and Aneesa agree that the program was not only fun, but deeply meaningful, and are grateful that Mr. Vien encouraged them to take part.
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
