PowerPoint E: Members of Parliament

REP DAY 2014

What is an MP?• A member of parliament (MP) is a person elected to a seat in

the House of Commons who serves as a representative of one of Canada’s 308 ridings.

Who can be an MP?• Any Canadian citizen 18 years of age and older can become an

MP.

The youngest sitting MP is Pierre-Luc Dusseault, who was elected at 19.

The oldest sitting MP is Ray Boughen, who was elected for a third time at the age of 74.

Before they were MPs…

Astronaut

Police Officer

Doctor

MusicianStudent

Farmer & Teacher

What does an MP do?• Represents constituents' concerns (i.e., If people are unhappy

with a federal related issue, the MP might be asked to advocate on behalf of constituents by raising their concerns in parliament and with other MPs)

• Assists constituents in accessing services (e.g., Employment Insurance benefits, or applying for a passport, etc)

• Proposes bills (puts forward ideas for laws and regulations, such as anti-bulling legislation)

• Serves on House of Commons committees that study bills• Participates in Commons debates, and discussing and

amending bills.

Final Thoughts• What qualities and past experience do you look for in your

elected representative?

• What would you like to ask your MP?

• What issues concern you related to the federal government?