Behind the scenes (or, in the middle of the house), there are a lot of people that make Session happen. These are people you'll see around the House, making sure everything runs smoothly, and facilitating events and curfew check-ins at the hotel. It's a lot of new facts at the start of session, so here's a sneak preview of some of the people who aren't members who will be at Session.
PS 3 DAYS HYPE
The Speaker
You'll meet our Speaker in the very first sitting, and you will get to know and recognize them very quickly. They mediate debate in the House, and run the sittings according the schedule. If you want to speak, you'll stand up, and you'll be addressing them. If you call a point of order, they will rule on it. They are non-partisan members of the House.
Fun Fact: The Speaker is fair game for question period, so feel free to call on them as well!
The Clerks
These are a group of individuals, who you will see a lot from, although you won't hear from them as often. Their job at Session is a big one - they provide all the paperwork that comes past your desk at Session, AND they create a journal with all the things we did at Session inside. You'll see them in the center of the House, taking notes on the debate to be recorded in the journal. If there's ever a contentious vote, they are the ones who come in and do an official count.
Chief Returning Officer (CRO) & Registrar
Sometimes one person, sometimes two, both of these jobs revolve around one thing: you! They will deliver the safety speech and remind you of BCYP's Code of Conduct at the start of Session, and they will facilitate curfew check-ins later. Talk to them about any issues you have that aren't related to the sittings (eg, if you're feeling sick).
Fun Fact: Curfew check-ins and the supervision at the hotel is done by BCYP alumna or friends of the association - many of them have been to a youth parliament session and share the same interests that BCYP-ers do, so say hi to them and see what stories & experiences they had that made BCYP so special to them.
Lieutenant Governor
The LG for BCYP is part of our opening & prorogation ceremonies - at the start of Session, they read the Throne Speech, and at the end of Session, they provide Royal Assent (they sign and approve all of the legislation that we pass in the House).
Senate
Senate, AKA BCYP's Board of Directors, is the group that oversees Session and all of BCYP's activities. Some members of Senate will be present at Session, and will be filling some of the above roles. After Session, Senate reviews all of the legislation we pass and may debate parts of our legislation. All legislation, including PMRs, must pass Senate's review before it is final.
