Each year, Queen’s students with an interest in politics have a pair of opportunities to engage with lawmakers at the federal and provincial level, both here in Kingston and in Ottawa.

Queen’s Feminist Leadership In Politics

Coming up on Feb. 4-5, Queen’s Feminist Leadership In Politics (QFLIP) will host its annual Ignite Conference, bringing together a stellar list of speakers for attendees.

Now in its eighth year, the event, held at the Holiday Inn Kingston-Waterfront, offers delegates from across the Queen’s community a chance to learn from a wide range of experienced and engaging keynote and panel speakers, and take part in hands-on leadership and media workshops.

This year’s event features 25 speakers, including Senators Margaret Dawn Anderson, Patricia Bovey, Bernadette Clement, Mary Coyle and Donna Dasko, Members of Parliament Lena Metlege Diab, Michelle Ferreri, and Salma Zahid, Premier of Northwest Territories Caroline Cochrane and former deputy premier of Ontario Christine Elliot, along with other experts and activists.

Following two years of online conferences due to the pandemic, co-chairs Julia Baldassarra (Political Studies) and Alinah Charania (Political Studies), are excited to be back in-person.

“After two years hosting the QFLIP Conference virtually, we were admittedly a little worried about whether we could still attract many high-profile speakers considering the logistical and financial barriers at play in travelling to Kingston,” Baldeserra and Charania say. “However, we were pleasantly surprised to see how many accomplished leaders were inspired by QFLIP's mission and willing to make the trip, even from as far as Yellowknife. Our speakers team has spent months coordinating with premiers, senators, MPs, MPPs, corporate leaders, and activists, and we are so excited to hear the awe-inspiring things they have to say.

The focus of Ignite 2023 is learning and through keynote speeches, panels, fireside chats, and workshops, speakers will teach attendees about the value of feminism and advocacy in political and professional spheres, the co-chairs add.

Find out more on the QFLIP Instagram page.

Queen’s Model Parliament

In its 76^th edition, the oldest student conference at Queen’s – the Queen’s Model Parliament – saw approximately 100 students from across the university visit Ottawa and the House of Commons on Jan. 25-27.

During their time in Ottawa participants were able to take part in a number of panel discussions involving politicians and government officials, including President of the Treasury Board Mona Fortier, MP Luc Berthold, MP Mark Holland, MPP Ted Hsu, and Senator Kim Pate and to experience what it is like to sit as a Member of Parliament. During the mock third-reading sessions, the students were divided into parties and debated bills before the vote was called.

The students spent months preparing for the three-day visit to Parliament Hill, gathering in their respective party caucuses to discuss policies, draft legislation, and prepare speeches.

Visit the QMP website for more information about the student conference.