2023 Annual General Meeting
Date: Saturday, September 15, 2023
Location: Hemlock Committee Room, Legislature
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Committee Membership 2022-2023
Executive
President Dave Hayer
Vice President Diane Thorne
Secretary Bruce Strachan
Treasurer Patrick Wong
Membership Ken Jones
Past President John Les
Directors
Harry Bloy
Ida Chong
Penny Priddy
Linda Reid
Tim Stevenson
Honorary Members
Joan Barton
Ian Izard
Welcome and Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 1:35 p.m. by President Dave Hayer.
Attendance and Quorum (five)
Members in attendance: Dave Hayer, Diane Thorne, Patrick Wong, Ken Jones, Harry Bloy, Tim Stevenson
Honorary members in attendance: Ian Izard, Joan Barton
OOTD staff: Brian Kieran
Association Members and Guests: Gordon Hoag, Graham Bruce, Cliff Serwa, Richard Lee, Richard Stewart
Regrets: Bruce Strachan, John Les, Ida Chong, Penny Priddy, Linda Reid
The President declared a quorum.
3. Moment of silence for the former association members and MLAs who passed away last year.
The President cited the names of loyal public figures who served in the cause of good governance since the last AGM of September 24, 2022:
Clive Tanner, a former Liberal MLA and well-known bookseller in Sidney;
Anne Edwards, a dedicated teacher, Kootenays editor, feminist and author who served in the NDP cabinet of Premier Mike Harcourt. Anne was an active participant on the Orders of the Day editorial committee;
Gary Lauk, Former MLA for Vancouver Centre from 1972 to 1986;
Howard Lloyd, the Social Credit MLA for Fort George Riding from 1975 to 1979;
Al Horning, MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country from 2005 – 2009, MP from 1988 – 1993 and city councillor from 1980 – 1988;
And Pat Carney, who pioneered roles for women in Canadian politics, was a former MP and senator. In 2015, the AFMLABC was honoured to welcome Pat as its guest speaker at Government House.
Clive Tanner
The President proposed a moment of silence for lost members.
Approval of Agenda
Motion to approve the agenda by Ken Jones; seconded by Harry Bloy.
Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the September 24, 2022, AGM and May 27, 2023, Executive Meeting were distributed to all board members.
There were no corrections or additions to the minutes of the AGM.
Motion to approve the minutes of the September 24, 2022 AGM by Harry Bloy; seconded by Cliff Serwa.
Motion carried.
There were no corrections or additions to the May 27, 2023 meeting minutes.
Motion to approve the minutes of the May 27, 2023 Executive Meeting moved by Ken Jones; seconded by Harry Bloy.
Motion carried.
Reports
President’s Report on Previous Year (Dave Hayer)
Everyone has a copy of the President’s report. The President thanked everyone for attending the first in-person AGM since 2019 and spoke of the upcoming annual dinner with the guest speaker, Jody Wilson-Raybould.
The President described the gift that will be presented to her on behalf of the association – a legislature coffee mug and a black leather binder and pen set.
John Les, who was going to introduce the guest speaker, cannot attend the dinner due to COVID. Charlie Wyse, former MLA, could not attend but donated two tickets for the dinner. Bruce Strachan and Ida Chong cannot attend the AGM or the dinner; they also donated two tickets for dinner.
The President thanked all of our team members, the Board of Directors and executives, all our great volunteers: Brian Kieran, the Editor for the Orders of the Day (OOTD); Rob Lee, our specialist for layout, production, research for the OOTD and specialist in all various projects; Donna Hains for volunteering by taking our meeting minutes and with everything else we need help with; and Ken Jones, for his help with obtaining advertisement for OOTD and his great work on memberships.
He also thanked Bruce, Diane, John, Penny, Patrick, Harry, Ken, Ian, Ida, Joan, Linda, Tim, Brian, Rob and Donna for putting up with late-night phone calls as we work on AFMLABC duties.
The President listed the association’s accomplished during the past year:
· A sold-out AFMLABC dinner this evening, our first in-person gathering since COVID lockdowns.
· After many years of discussions and planning, and with help from Ian, Ken, Kate and Hansard, we have updated the Bylaws of the AFMLABC. These were sent to all members by Brian and Rob and will be voted on today.
· We are working with Elections BC, who will provide free kits called “Democracy in a Box” to former MLAs during their school visits to help students understand the voting process, provincial elections, and democracy. The goal is to inform and inspire young people to participate in elections and vote when they are eligible to vote.
This project helps fulfill the AFMLABC’s objectives to use the knowledge and experience of its members at the service of parliamentary democracy in BC and elsewhere and to serve the public interest by providing non-partisan support for the parliamentary system of government in BC.
· We also endorsed the non-partisan “Strengthening Democracy” initiative put forward and led by former Premier Mike Harcourt and former cabinet minister Graham Bruce. Further, the association supports the initial goals stated in the May 17th,2023 “Strengthening Democracy” letter to AFMLABC.
· We approved two grants of $500 each from our AFMLABC Hugh Curtis BC Youth Parliament Fund for two young students for 2023. Ken Jones helped to update our agreements with the UVIC Scholarship and UNBC Scholarship to attempt to have, by 2024, one scholarship each for male and female students every year.
The President gave special thanks to Speaker Raj Chouhan and his staff for the $5,000 provided to AFMLABC and the room provided to us to hold our AGMs every year. Special thanks also go to Kate Ryan-Lloyd and her staff at the Clerk’s Office, Legislative Library staff, Sergeant-at-Arms Security, and everyone else who helped AFMLABC.
In closing, the President said we would not be enjoying dinner tonight without the support and help from Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin and the Government House staff for allowing us to host the annual AFMLABC dinner at Government House and our special speaker, former Attorney General and Justice Minister of Canada Jody Wilson-Raybould. Their work and support are impactful to all of us.
Motion to accept the President’s Report by Harry Bloy; seconded by Patrick Wong.
Motion carried.
Special Resolution: Revised Bylaws.
Notice was sent to all members of the AFMLABC on July 11, 2023, by email and mail as required by the association’s bylaws.
The President commended Ian Izard for his work on this initiative.
Ian explained that the bylaws were initially written in 1986. Since then, amendments have been made but not incorporated into the bylaws. A good example is the issue of quorum. Initially, the bylaws required that a quorum must be 10 members. That was changed at some point to five members but never finalized.
This bylaw review has been an opportunity to finalize such amendments and to provide for updates, including electronic representation, in the event we have another situation like the COVID-19 pandemic. Until now, there has been no provision for general meetings to be held electronically – the bylaws only provided for directors to meet electronically. The new bylaws incorporate the provision for general meetings to be held electronically.
Ian explained that Hansard also helped with the revisions.
Motion to approve the bylaws by Ken Jones; seconded by Tim Stevenson.
Motion carried.
Ken Jones stated that this is the completion of at least 10 years of work. Ken acknowledged the strong support from Ian Izard, without whom this could not have been accomplished.
The President reminded everyone that the bylaws are available on the website.
Finance Committee Report including Financial Statements (Patrick Wong)
See attached Budget 2023/24 and Financial Statement 2022/23.
Patrick reported that the association is in a healthy financial position. As of today, the cash situation in the bank is $26,315.00 before expenses for the Former MLAs’ dinner tonight are paid.
Patrick said that in 2023, the advertising revenue for this year was $5,490, hopefully increasing to $7,000 this year. Ken noted that Canfor’s payment of $2,500 for their half-page ad is currently being processed and will be reflected in next year’s budget. The Insurance Brokers Association has renewed, and LifeLabs is due in the new year. Telus is to be confirmed; their annual fee is $2,400. The cost of a quarter-page ad has been increased by $100 to $1,500.
Patrick will revise the budget after the dinner expenses are finalized; an up-to-date budget will be required to apply for the Speaker’s Office grant.
The President thanked Charlie Wyse and Ida Chong for each providing two tickets for the dinner.
Motion to accept the financial statements as of March 31, 2023, by Ken Jones; seconded by Harry Bloy.
Motion carried.
Approval to Send a Letter to the Speaker for a $ 5,000 grant for this fiscal year
The President reported that the Speaker told him this amount will not be increased.
Motion to send a letter to the speaker requesting the $5,000 grant Richard Lee; seconded by Diane Thorne.
Motion carried.
Action: The President will draft a letter to the speaker requesting the grant.
Membership Committee Report: (Ken Jones).
Ken Jones reported that we have 107 members, including 7 honorary members. The honorary members are complimentary.
In February and March, Isabelle Martinez Hayer and Ken created a membership renewal email letter that was sent out to 36 members who hadn’t renewed using a database from our membership records. As of May 24th, seven have renewed.
Isabelle also worked with Brian Kieran to upgrade our website to make it easier for members to renew online. A special thanks to Isabelle for her great volunteer work.
We have 52 paid-up members (to Sept. 3rd), plus nine have paid for 2024, one for 2025 and one member is paid up to 2040. Several members have paid previous years’ outstanding dues. Forty-eight members are not current, but direct contact has been successful with renewals and in adding new members.
In addition, we have nine current subscribers and eight who need to pay for this year.
Ken reminded everyone that members can now invite all eligible former MLAs to join. Ken will assist in contacting potential new members if required, but there are many members for whom we do not have contact information. If any member can obtain new contact information, it would be appreciated.
Motion to accept the Membership Committee Report by Ken Jones; seconded by Diane Thorne.
Motion carried.
Discussion:
Cliff Serwa asked if there is a list of former MLAs with email addresses. If he could access such a list, he would write an email to each of them and explain the value of being a member and encourage them to become active members of the association. Multi-party discipline enhances democracy not only for non-members but also for active members. He said that the electorate’s trust never vanishes, and we [former MLAs] have a continuing responsibility as elected members to improve our democratic system.
There is a common bond and camaraderie among all of us. Our united effort is needed to make it work – bringing together information from a variety of perspectives.
Ken responded by asking Cliff to write a letter that could be sent to members whose dues are outstanding. We could use the database to send his message. Cliff agreed.
The President thanked Cliff; his message will go a long way. The President noted that Diane Thorne has also put much effort into encouraging others to join the association.
Ken moved that the association create a way for members to make a one-time payment of dues so they would not have to make annual payments. If a person is over 80 years old, they could pay $1,000 and have a lifetime membership. Members 90 years or older would pay $500 for a lifetime membership. This vehicle would go to 97 or 98; beyond that age, membership is free.
Dave suggested that members over 65 could pay $2,000 for a life membership. Many members are not current because they forget to make payments.
Cliff Serwa said an advantage to annual payments is that members keep connected with the association.
Patrick explained that if such a prepayment process were implemented, the association would have to establish a prepayment fund to hold the money and establish a procedure to ensure that the money is not spent all at once but being held, with monthly withdrawals to cover annual dues.
Members discussed the number of years that the different amounts would cover.
Members also discussed the party makeup of the membership and the advantages of members from all parties. The AFMLABC is a non-partisan association, and we must encourage members from all parties to join.
Cliff Serwa brought the discussion back to the motion on the floor, suggesting that the motion be simplified – one payment of $1,000 for anyone over 65 would give them a lifetime membership.
Ken moved that the association create a process where people could buy a life membership under the following terms: If over age 65, a member could pay $2000 and have a lifetime membership; if 80 or older – $1,000; if 90 or older – $500. (No dues would be required after that.) Patrick Wong seconded.
Discussion followed concerning the amortization of the amounts over a lifespan.
Ken Jones voted in favour; all others voted against.
Motion defeated.
Cliff Serwa moved the motion to be revised to “anyone age 65 or over could have the opportunity to purchase a lifetime membership for $1,000.” Seconded by Richard Lee.
Seven members voted in favour; one member abstained. Ken Jones voted against.
Motion carried.
Action: Cliff Serwa will write a letter to former MLAs who are not association members, encouraging them to join.
Action: Cliff Serwa to write a letter to association members whose membership fees are overdue and encourage payment.
Newsletter Orders of the Day (OOTD) Report (Editorial Board – Brian Kieran/Penny Priddy).
Dave expressed his appreciation for the quality of the newsletter and thanked all those who contribute to its production. Dave reported that Penny asked if someone could take her place on the editorial committee.
Brian said he appreciates any comments from readers, and over the past nine years, he has frequently asked for readership input. He needs more. With that in mind, the upcoming newsletter will remind readers why they have a newsletter. It is the only bridge the association has to bring people together as it examines perspectives on important issues. It will include a survey asking for input for future issues and will also be on the association website.
Brian also manages the association’s website, which is interactive, thanks to the Legislative Library. He wants to know how many members access the website, and the survey has a question about that.
Joan Barton expressed her appreciation for the great work on the newsletter and wondered if it could be used to encourage new members from minority parties. Dave Hayer explained that it is not our role to do that as a non-partisan association. Brian and others agreed.
Cliff Serwa said we have the opportunity in this organization to think and voice our opinions independently and not be influenced by party thinking. We are not dominated by partisan politics.
Gordon Hoag asked if all former MLAs get a copy of the newsletter. Brian responded that he had attempted to get contact information at a meeting with Ian Waddell and the Clerk. We asked how to reach former MLAs and were told they were tracked, and we could access their information.
Dave said he later met with the Speaker, who told him contact information cannot be shared per the province’s privacy legislation.
Ken Jones said he met with the whips of all three caucuses three months ago to see if he could get their people’s contact information, but he has received nothing to date.
OOTD Advertising needs? OOTD Advertising
Ken said all members are responsible for helping to increase advertising and asked for everyone’s support, even if only to give him leads. The only stipulation is that they do not solicit competitors to existing advertisers. We must show the Speaker’s office we are generating revenue to support our expenses, including the newsletter.
Patrick suggested incentives for membership, such as corporate discounts. He suggested a membership drive and corporate sponsorship hand-in-hand.
13. Hugh Curtis Memorial Fund Report and Youth Parliament Bursary Determination (Joan Barton).
Joan reviewed the history of the fund. Hugh Curtis died in 2014; he was the “mover and shaker” of this organization. It was Penny Priddy who suggested that we start a Curtis Memorial Fund – that we offer a $1,000 grant for two young people from anywhere in BC so they could attend the annual meeting of the BC Youth Parliament.
We now have the Victoria Foundation to manage the fund. Today, most members don’t know who Hugh Curtis was, so we changed the name to the AFLMABC Hugh Curtis BC Youth Parliament Fund – commonly known as the Curtis BC Youth Parliamentary Fund.
The fund now stands at $40, 658. It remains in perpetuity with the Victoria Foundation.
Joan asked if someone else could take over this; Dave said that Linda Reid has offered to take on this responsibility.
Update on University Scholarships Initiated by the Ned Debeck Foundation (Ken Jones)
Ken reported that we have finalized the agreement for the UNBC scholarship award; their endowment award is about $69,000. It is for two scholarships of $1,000 each to be given to one male and one female student. The only requirement is that the recipients must be graduates of a BC high school. The scholarship is for persons interested in a political career that would be either appointed or elected.
Yesterday, Ken met with UVIC. We are utilizing the UNBC agreement and are close to duplicating it. UVIC has about $37,000 in its endowment account. They have looked at our website and noted that the presidencies are different political parties back and forth, which presents a good image. They noted that their political science department has not been utilizing our organization, and they will be contacting us in the near future.
Strengthening Democracy Update/Discussion (Mike Harcourt and Graham Bruce)
Graham Bruce explained that Mike Harcourt could not attend due to Pender Island ferry transportation issues.
He said they have a good team. Max Cameron, a political science professor at UBC, is one of their members, and they just brought on Rakash Singh Kainth, a UBC post-graduate in political science. Graham said they appreciate the association’s endorsement; it adds credibility to what they are trying to achieve.
They had a steering committee meeting in April. Eight former MLAs attended: Dave Hayer, Gordon Hoag, Graham Bruce, Mike Harcourt, the President of the UBCM, Jim Ford, the director of UBCM Sarah Fowler, the BC Youth Parliament premier, Max Cameron and others.
Tim Stevenson asked how people were chosen to attend the meeting. Graham explained that they weren’t chosen. Their message was out there, and people expressed interest.
We focused on who we could tap into. Graham said that he and Mike Harcourt will be presenting at the UBCM and meeting with the Premier of the Youth Parliament after tonight’s dinner.
They are trying to put together a speaker’s bureau and entice more former MLAs to be proactive and get out to the schools and universities.
They undertook a poll focused on municipal government to get more input.
They will be soliciting funds and are asking if the association would consider setting up a separate account for them until they become registered as a society – if they do decide to go that route.
Discussion:
Cliff Serwa expressed disagreement with the initiative.
Tim Stevenson asked where the money would go. Graham said they have to put together a budget for a coordinator and researcher. Right now, Brian Kieran and Rakash are helping out.
Tim Stevenson asked how they would get the word out; Graham replied that they have a domain and will be setting up a website.
Tim suggested that Graham contact Andrew Petter; he may be interested in joining them.
Ken Jones said that when fundraising, you need to be able to give a charitable donation receipt; you cannot do that without being a society. The AFMLABC would not be able to provide a receipt on their behalf.
Graham said they don’t want to ask for a cheque in their name (Strengthening Democracy); they need to have another name for their donations to be made out to. Graham said he wants a society where cheques could be payable on their behalf.
Dave Hayer asked Graham if the association held their funds, would they expect the association to pay expenses for them until they set up their own society?
Dave asked if Patrick Wong would be asked to write the cheques to them.
Patrick Wong said it could be done, but if the Strengthening Democracy members take the money out, the association is still responsible for justifying where the money is spent.
Diane Thorne said more people are needed for this discussion, and members are leaving the meeting due to the late hour.
Dave Hayer said the request will be noted in the minutes. This matter would have to go to the board for a decision.
Motion to move the decision to the next board meeting by Dave Hayer; seconded by Diane Thorne.
Motion carried.
16. Elections for 2023/2024 year: Nomination Committee Report (Diane Thorne)
As no new people are running, there will not be an election.
The Nominating Committee is recommending these persons for the following positions. Each person has confirmed their willingness to stand. Nominations will also be received from the floor. The maximum number of Directors is six.
For President Dave Hayer
For Vice President Diane Thorne
For Secretary Bruce Strachan
For Membership Ken Jones
For Treasurer Patrick Wong
Past President (automatic) John Les
For Director Harry Bloy
For Director Ida Chong
For Director Penny Priddy
For Director Linda Reid
For Director Tim Stevenson
17. Election of Association Board
Executive:
The slate of executives is acclaimed as proposed.
Directors:
Move to accept the current slate with an amendment: Three positions are open – Ida Chong and Penny Priddy had said they will withdraw their names if new persons want to run for director positions to avoid elections.
Richard Lee has agreed to stand for Ida Chong’s position.
Richard Stewart will stand for Penny Priddy’s position.
Cliff Serwa will stand for the 6th vacant position on the board of directors.
Motion to approve the nominations by Diane Thorne; seconded by Tim Stevenson.
Motion carried.
Ballot Count and Election Results
Ballot count not required, and no election required.
19. Appointment of 2024 Nominations Chair and Committee
The President recommended the following members be appointed:
Chair: Diane Thorne
Members: Bruce Strachan, Tim Stevenson, Linda Reid
Motion to approve the nominees for the 2024 Nominations Committee for the upcoming year by Dave Hayer; seconded by Diane Thorne.
Motion carried.
Motion to authorize letters of appreciation to the Lieutenant Governor, Speaker, Clerks of Legislature, and Legislative Library staff. Others?
Motion to approve by Diane Thorne; seconded by Richard Lee.
Motion carried.
Next year’s AGM and Dinner (Speaker, Location and Date)
The next AGM will be held in September 2024; the board will determine the location.
Motion to approve by Diane Thorne; seconded by Ken Jones.
Motion carried.
Remarks by newly elected President (2024/2025)
As the President is continuing for 2024 and has already made a report, no further remarks are required considering the late hour.
Confirmation of Bank Signing Officers
The signing officers are Dave Hayer, Patrick Wong, John Les, Ken Jones, and Diane Thorne.
Motion to update the list of signing officers to include Richard Lee by Ken Jones; seconded by Cliff Serwa. The signing officers for next year will be Dave Hayer, Patrick Wong, Diane Thorne, John Les, Ken Jones, and Richard Lee.
Motion carried.
24. Other Business
Cliff Serwa expressed his appreciation for the calls he received from Dave Hayer, Colin Gable and others from as far away as Whitehorse during the fire situation in Kelowna. There is a camaraderie among those who have been in office that is heartfelt and appreciated.
25. Motion to adjourn at 3:30 p.m.
Motion to adjourn by Diane Thorne; seconded by Tim Stevenson.
Motion carried.
We are diminished by the passing of five former MLAs
By Brian Kieran, Editor OOTD, July 2024
Since the June issue of OOTD was published we have lost five former MLAs. In the many years I have been doing this job I have never had to share such a volume of sad news in a single issue.
Bob Williams
Bob Williams, one of the most influential NDPers of all time, died in July. The alumni ranks of the Social Credit Party got thinner a month earlier with the passing of former cabinet ministers Tony Brummet and Russ Fraser. We also lost two NDPers: Former MLA Shannon O’Neill and former cabinet minister Gerard Janssen.
Bob became the most powerful cabinet minister in BC’s first NDP government in the 1970s. He also served as a city planner, city councillor, ICBC overseer, and owner of the Railway Club in Vancouver.
Tony Brummet
Tony ran in the 1979 election under the Social Credit banner, won by a wide margin and began a 12-year career representing North Peace River. He was appointed Minister of Lands, Parks and Housing, then Minister of Environment, Energy Mines and Petroleum Resources, and finally Minister of Education.
Russ Fraser
Russ served as Attorney General. After Premier Bill Vander Zalm’s resignation in 1991, he was considered for interim leader of the party (and thus premier) but lost the caucus vote to Rita Johnston by 21 to 17. During his time in the Legislature, he also served as Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Solicitor General.
Shannon O’Neill
Shannon was the NDP MLA for Shuswap from 1991 to 1996. She also worked for MP Nelson Riis and MLA Bill King. She was a strong supporter of the NDP’s move to change the name of the Women’s Programs Ministry to the Women’s Equality Ministry. Shannon also advocated for affordable housing, the environment, and jobs in the Salmon Arm area.
Gerard Janssen
Gerard represented the constituency of Alberni. He was elected three times, twice beating Socred/Liberal Gillian Trumper who finally defeated him in 2001. In government, he served as the NDP's caucus whip and as Minister of Small Business, Tourism and Culture from 2000 to 2001.
The Summer issue of Orders of the Day has more on the lives and contributions of these former members.
BC Youth Parliament holds successful 95th Session
By Adrianne Chow, Minister of Public Relations, 95th British Columbia Youth Parliament
Youth from across British Columbia gathered at the BC Parliament Buildings during their winter break for the 95th Session of the British Columbia Youth Parliament (BCYP).
Ninety-seven community leaders, aged 16 to 21, spent their time practicing parliamentary procedure, engaging in collaborative debate and learning about the importance of community service.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Honourable Raj Chouhan, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia and all the staff at the BC Parliament Building for their continued and enthusiastic support of the BC Youth Parliament.
As a non-partisan, youth-run organization, BCYP aims to promote youth service within the community. This year, the organization celebrates its centennial anniversary, having been established in 1924.
The 95th Session featured Val Napoleon LLB, PhD as our honorary Lieutenant Governor. Dr. Napoleon is a professor and Law Foundation Chair in Indigenous Justice Governance in the Faculty of Law at UVic. She also established the Indigenous Law Research Unit, a research centre that works in partnership with indigenous peoples and groups across Canada on questions of Indigenous law.
During our 95th Session, BCYP members proposed and debated new projects and plans for the upcoming year. Among our largest projects this year are Regional Youth Parliaments (RYPs), various fundraising and service projects, and Camp Phoenix.
RYPs are our signature method of teaching 14-18-year-olds about Westminster parliamentary democracy. These events, hosted across the province, facilitate a practical experience in leadership like no other. Members debate resolutions of issues of their choosing, draft bills and engage in collaborative debate, and learn parliamentary procedure. Members are given the opportunity to meet other youth in their communities and work in true democratic fashion to aid their growth alongside their communities. If you know of any youth passionate about civic engagement, leadership, and making a positive impact in their community, we encourage you to share this opportunity with them. You can learn more at bcyp.org/ryps.
Camp Phoenix, a five-day sleep-away summer camp run entirely by volunteers, serves children aged eight to 12 who, for social or financial reasons, could not otherwise attend camp.
In addition to these service projects, the House passed five acts: The Parliamentary Activities Act, the World Tour Act, the Enhanced Definitions of Institutional Titles (EDIT) Amendment Act, the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Amendment Act, and the Supply Act.
As well as debating and voting on project-focused legislation, BCYP members discussed important social issues through Private Members Resolutions. Topics included drug decriminalization, lowering the voting age, and logging of old-growth forests. These debates allowed youth to engage with peers on a range of issues and hear opinions from all sides.
As per tradition, this session featured the presentation of awards, acknowledging outstanding contributions and achievements of members.
The Parliamentarian of the Year Award recognizes an individual from the previous session who contributed significantly in all three areas of BCYP: Participation in BCYP events, service, and fundraising. This year, it was awarded to Adrianne Chow.
The BC Speaker's Office Inspiring New Member Award recognizes members who made exceptional contributions to service and fundraising activities during their inaugural year. This year, it went to Brielle Tran and Kevin Nicklin.
The Fisi Award for Service recognizes exemplary dedication to serving the youth of British Columbia under the Youth Parliament's name, both in and out of BCYP. This year, it was awarded to Tommy Xu.
The BCYP Bond Shield was awarded to Brielle Tran. The Bond Shield is awarded to the parliamentarian who raised the most money in the previous year.
Finally, the prestigious Donald Fergus Paynter Memorial Award for Leadership was awarded to last year's premier, Abby Head. This award is given at the Senate's discretion to a member who, during their years of membership, demonstrated both exceptional leadership and noteworthy dedication to all aspects of Parliament's activities and made contributions substantially more than expected through the normal course of activities or made contributions which, because of their innovative nature, are likely to have an enduring impact.
The 96th Parliament's House Leaders were also elected during the session. UBC student Annie Nguyen (Langley) was elected premier; SFU student Puneet Hundal (Tumbler Ridge) was elected Leader of the Opposition; and UVic student Isabella Harmel (Kelowna) was elected Deputy Speaker. This marks the third time in BCYP's 100-year history that women hold all three House Leader positions.
This session, we bid farewell to six aging-out members who have turned 21. It was with much sadness that the membership said farewell and thank you to them. The 95th Session of BCYP showcased the passion and dedication of its members, setting the stage for a year of meaningful debates, service projects, and fun.
We thank the Association of Former MLAs of British Columbia for their continued support of BCYP. We would like to give special thanks for their contribution of the Hugh Curtis Memorial Fund, which provides opportunities for broader participation in BCYP's Session in Victoria by helping to defray travel and accommodation expenses for two youth who live outside the Greater Victoria area.