June 07, 2010
Vancounver Kingsway CyC contest produces two winning bills
VANCOUVER – Vancouver M.P. Don Davies is taking two Lower Mainland students to Ottawa where he will present their ideas as official bills in Parliament.
This follows a contest called “Create Your Canada”, in which Davies invited all Vancouver Kingsway high school students to enter their ideas to improve Canada. He then had the winning ideas drafted into private member’s bills which he will introduce in Parliament on Tuesday with the student authors watching in the Parliamentary Gallery.
The aim of the contest, which has garnered interest from educators across the country, is to encourage students to take an interest in how Canada is governed.
The entries were judged by a group of community leaders including journalists, educators, business people and community advocates.
The winners are Puneet Riar, a grade 12 student from Windermere Secondary School, and Hansel Fung, a grade 10 student from Eric Hamber Secondary School.
Ms. Riar’s Bill legislates that Canada keep its commitment to contribute 0.7 per cent of our Gross National Product to foreign aid. The 0.7 per cent target dates back to 1970, when the UN General Assembly set this goal for all economically advanced countries. Over 40 years, Canada has never met its target, hovering around 0.3 per cent in recent years.
Mr. Fung’s Bill uses tax incentives to encourage the purchase of energy efficient appliances. Canadians who buy certain appliances would receive a tax credit and the product would be exempt from GST.
“Listening to Canadian youth about their concerns for the country is always a good idea,” said Davies. “Parliament is well-served by these proposals and I am proud to bring the voice of youth into our debates.”
Davies will escort the students around Parliament, tour them through the House of Commons Chamber and the Library of Parliament and bring them to an actual Caucus meeting.
“This is a great way for youth to share their vision for our country,” said Davies. “I think it’s also a fun and engaging introduction to Parliament and the legislative process.”
The costs of this program are paid entirely by Davies.
For more details on the ‘Create Your Canada’ program you can visit the website at http://vancouverkingsway.createyourcanada.ca
