IQALUIT - Participating in the youth parliament sparked an interest in politics for Maria Kasaluaq and an appreciation of the work MLAs do in Nunavut's legislative assembly.

Maria Kasaluaq, a 15-year-old Rankin Inlet resident, participated in the youth parliament at the legislative assembly in Iqaluit late last month. The teenager was responsible for the same portfolio as Rankin Inlet North MLA Tagak Curley - Health and Social Services and the Nunavut Housing Corporation. - Jeanne Gagnon/NNSL photo

The Grade 10 Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik student, born in Winnipeg but raised in Rankin Inlet, was selected to participate in the three-day youth parliament late last month for her essay about suicide prevention. The 15-year-old said she decided to take part as she said the experience looked interesting and she wanted to make new friends.

"I got to feel what they (MLAs) go through to make Nunavut run smoothly," she said. "It was a great experience. It's like a week to remember."

In the youth parliament, she had the same portfolio as Rankin Inlet North MLA Tagak Curley, minister of health and social services and the minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation. In that role, Kasaluaq presented the Youth Councils Act to establish and set a mandate for community youth councils. After the bill passed second reading, she appeared before the committee of the whole. The bill would eventually pass.

Kasaluaq also spoke about the bed bug problem at the Kivalliq Boarding Home in Winnipeg during the youth parliament session.

The high school student, who enjoys volleyball, said she would help fight poverty if she were to run for MLA in the future, something she is considering.

"I would probably ... make life easier for adults who are paying too much bills because I know some adults who pay too much on their bills and struggle through life, trying to keep food on the table," she said.

Youth parliament participants also toured the legislative assembly building and worked with their colleagues before the actual session.

"I would recommend it to people who are looking into the future to be an MLA. It's a good experience and you'll love it here," she said.

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