Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Feb 04/02) - Future leaders of the North take over the legislative assembly this week.

The third Youth Parliament is in session in the capital. Grade 8 and 9 students, one from each of the territory's 19 ridings, will get a glimpse of governance.

The week will not be all work for the young parliamentarians who arrive in Yellowknife Sunday, courtesy of generous sponsorship from four Northern airlines.

A full slate of extra curricular activities, including indoor soccer Monday night, Movie night Tuesday and bowling and pizza Wednesday, is also planned.

Students were chosen based on essays they wrote about why they wanted to be youth parliamentarians.

"They're going to bring their own questions, members statements and petitions," said Doug Schauerte, deputy clerk of the legislative assembly.

The MLAs-in-waiting will get a chance to make their statements, ask their questions and present their petitions on Thursday, when they take their respective seats in the legislative chamber.

Youth parliament premier Richie Campbell was playing in the Arctic Winter Games hockey trials last week and unavailable for comment as of press time.