Canadian Studies Students visited Ottawa and attended a live debate between the government and the opposition
Both sections of the “Introduction to Canada” course, taught by Professor Jockel, visited Ottawa for the day on a somewhat chilly and windy 19 April.
Thanks to the office of Michael Barrett, the member of Parliament for the district just across the Ogdensburg-Prescott bridge (who treated the course members as sort of honorary constituents), the students were given special tours of the Senate (in its spectacular temporary accommodations in a former train station and conference center), followed by one of the House of Commons (in its also striking temporary chamber).
The class then stayed on in the Commons to attend the prime minister’s Wednesday question period. Especially since there is nothing like this in American politics, question period always makes a big impact on students, as it did once again this time. The students had a chance to see the prime minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, and the cabinet and experienced a live debate between the government and the opposition.
Despite the weather challenges the class then went on a walking tour of downtown Ottawa, led by Professor Jockel.
