Niverville Youth Dive Into Politics at Manitoba’s 2025 Youth Parliament

This holiday season, a group of students from Niverville High School will engage in a unique experience that takes them deep into the world of provincial politics. From December 26 to 31, 2025, these young leaders will participate in the 104th session of the Youth Parliament of Manitoba (YPM), a week-long event that has become a hallmark of youth engagement in the province.

Founded in 1922, YPM is recognized as the longest-running mock parliament globally. Although it operates under the auspices of the provincial government, the event is entirely organized and run by participants under the age of 25. This year, the session has attracted over 90 participants from eight communities, with registration filling up in less than half the usual time.

Youth Leaders Take on New Roles

Among the Niverville participants is Naomi Sarmiento, a senior at Niverville High School. This marks her second appearance at YPM; last year, she served as a backbencher, but this year, she is excited to assume the role of Minister of Public Relations. “Being chosen for this role is exhilarating,” Sarmiento said. “It’s crucial that the selected individuals are genuinely committed to participating and making their voices heard.”

The selection process for YPM is competitive, requiring candidates to respond to a series of questions and provide evidence of their involvement in community activities. Sarmiento has a strong background in advocacy, serving as co-president of her school’s student leadership team and being actively involved in the Student Action Committee. Last year, she organized the school’s inaugural Asian Heritage Awareness event, which featured discussions with several Asian politicians from Manitoba.

“Youth have a unique ability to communicate ideas effectively,” Sarmiento noted. “YPM offers a platform for young people to engage actively in political dialogue.” Her involvement was inspired by Eddy Paez, a former Niverville student, who is returning this year as the Minister of Labour. Paez will oversee the planning of meals and events during the five-day session.

An Intense Schedule of Learning and Engagement

The YPM schedule is demanding, with participants spending their off-time at Kelvin High School. Each day begins with a bus ride to the Legislature, where they will debate and vote on three specific bills: the Senate Reform Act, the Alcohol Regulation Act, and the Universal Post-Secondary Education Act. The experience also includes opportunities to interact with current elected officials from the four main political parties.

“Meeting actual politicians and having lunch with them allows us to learn directly about their experiences and insights,” Sarmiento explained. “It’s an incredible opportunity to engage in discussions and ask questions.”

Each YPM session features a Bear Pit event, where former politicians answer questions posed by the youth participants. This year, attendees will have the chance to engage with representatives from the New Democratic Party, the Progressive Conservative Party, and the Liberal Party. “These discussions are often more candid, as the former politicians are not constrained by the formalities of their roles,” Sarmiento added.

YPM operates as a non-partisan organization and registered charity, aiming to enhance communication skills among young adults and promote an understanding of the Canadian democratic parliamentary tradition. Notable alumni include prominent figures such as Lloyd Axworthy, Bill Blaikie, and Bill Norrie.

As these young leaders prepare to embark on their political journey, their experiences at YPM promise to shape their views and aspirations for the future, empowering them to become active participants in their communities and beyond.