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INUVIK - By the end of this week, MLAs Floyd Roland and Robert McLeod could be out of a job, in favour of two up-and-coming teenaged political junkies.

Well, not really, but Samuel Hearne Secondary School students Katherine Sittichinli, representing Inuvik Twin Lakes, and Alecia Lennie, representing Inuvik Boot Lake, are in Yellowknife discovering the ins and outs of the legislature while assuming the roles of the two politicians.

Inuvik teenagers Alecia Lennie, front row second from left, and Katherine Sittichinli, front row second from right, are among 18 students from across the North assuming the roles of their respective MLAs as they participate in Youth Parliament 2009 in Yellowknife this week. - photo courtesy of Sue Tkachuk

They are among 18 high school students from across the North representing their ridings in Youth Parliament 2009, which runs throughout the week.

In its 10th year, the program is meant to teach students how to become better leaders while learning more about consensus government as well as the legislative assembly's function and history.

So far Sittichinli can't get enough.

"I've learned how much Robert McLeod does in order to take care of the youth in the community to get programs in for the youth," she said. "I'm very surprised. It's a good experience and the people are really nice. My knowledge of government has definitely improved."

The highlight of the event takes place Thursday at 1:30 p.m. when students will engage in a live Youth Parliament session. The public is invited to watch the teenagers do battle from the Public Gallery. In the meantime the two girls' days will be packed with endless meetings and briefings.

"I didn't know how much the government did before I came here," said Sittichinli. "For example, with passing laws, there's a lot of co-operation needed."

She said she's looking forward to seeing McLeod on Wednesday.

Lennie said she has a newfound respect for the premier and all of the responsibilities he has to deal with.

"It's fun," she said. "But it gives me an appreciation of how hard you have to work to make a difference and how stressful his job is."

As for Sittichinli, she's still unsure whether she'll pursue a career in politics.

"The experience is definitely giving me the idea," she said. "I want to help the youth, like Robert McLeod."