‘I’m here to tell you we have the greatest country in the world’

Times Reporter 

 

MP Kevin Sorenson was in Strathmore sort of unofficially on Oct. 11. He was on a break week from parliament and was invited to stop in to Holy Cross Collegiate (HCC) to speak to the Grade 9 class to explain the different aspects of his role as a member of parliament. 

Sorenson said he feels those involved in public service have a responsibility to try and increase awareness about what government is like, what it means to be a public servant or a member of parliament, and what it is to represent a constituency.

“It’s good just to be able to talk about our country. Even in my presentation here I’m not partisan, it’s not a conservative good, NDP bad sort of thing. It’s about all of us working together to make a stronger Canada, and a better Canada,” said Sorenson.

“It’s very exciting for us because in Grade 9 the first part of the curriculum is teaching the kids about the structure of the federal government,” said HCC social studies teacher Michael Annicchiarico. 

“We’ve been talking about how the branches of government work and we’ve been talking about the House of Commons. So to actually have our own MP come and talk to the kids is a great experience for them.”

Sorenson spoke on a wide range of topics, beginning with how he came to be a member of parliament. He spoke of the opportunities presented to him, and the ones that Canada offers in general. He spoke about how even though Paul Martin was a member of an opposition party, they became acquaintances after Sorenson heard Martin speak about being Canadian and the importance of it. 

“I’m here to tell you we have the greatest country in the world,” said Sorenson.

He discussed what daily/weekly life is like for him, and how it has been to raise a family while fulfilling his political duties. Sorenson also spoke of the importance of developing an attitude of service and how everyone can help make a difference in their community, even without sitting on council or a holding a political position in some way. 

“I thought it was really good, really interesting, nice to know he really cares about us and also our beliefs. I learned a lot about how making amendments went back and forth and how they had to just stay overnight sometimes and that takes a lot of commitment,” said HCC student Jayde Masciangelo. 

“I really want to get involved. I’ve always wanted to make a bullying program and help people and I just think that from hearing his speech there’s many different ways you can do it and it’s not always about making money, there’s different ways.”

“It was really cool knowing how things actually happen and what actually does go on in (parliament),” said Matt Beemer.