Yellowknife (May 06/05) - Order! The Legislative Assembly is now in session. This is not an impromptu early gathering of our MLAs, however.

Instead it is the 6th annual 2005 NWT Youth Parliament session.

Premier Lorraine Westman, representing the Weledeh constituency, says more youth need to be informed about the political system through school activities. "I don't think very many youth know what is happening in our government, and they need to if they are going to vote."

Westman was one of 19 Grade 9 and 10 youth from across the territories participating in the Youth Parliament.

During the week of activities and meetings, Westman said by participating in the weeks' events, she hopes to gain a greater understanding of the political process and perhaps continue later on with a political career.

One issue within the community of interest to Westman is the graduated licensing law expected in the autumn.

"I think it is something that needs to be considered more than once," she said.

Julia Heyland, public affairs and communications advisor at the legislative assembly, said the Youth Parliament helps the students understand the function of the assembly and the responsibilities the MLA have.

"And hopefully it encourages a few of them to pursue politics or something within that realm," Heyland said.

The students attend committee meetings and meet their respective MLAs during the week of events.

Heyland said each student is asked to prepare a member's statement and ministers prepare Minister's statements.

Regular members prepare oral questions, all as the MLAs would. Students are selected on an application basis and chosen by a committee.

Doug Schauerte, deputy clerk, said the students learn from each other, as well.

"They are able to gain an understanding of issues that are of importance in various corners of the territories.

"It's not something youngsters of this age are really exposed to. They don't have the opportunity to gain the first-hand knowledge," Schauerte said.

Acting Speaker for the session was Bailey Mackie, representing Hay River North.

Having an interest in how laws are made and passed, she said she wanted to accomplish actually making one herself.

And being Speaker for the week held a special appeal for the aspiring politician.

"I rule the whole thing. I can tell people to stand up and talk or sit down and be quiet. And I don't have to talk too much. And I get the comfort chair," she said laughing.