Frequently Asked Questions
I DON’T KNOW A LOT ABOUT CANADIAN POLITICS, CAN I STILL APPLY?
Yes, absolutely! The goal of QMP is to expose youth to Canadian politics. QMP strives to attract delegates from all walks of life, in order to get young Canadians excited about our Parliamentary Procedures Furthermore, QMP is a platform in which students debate many issues that they personally value. Issues such as mental health awareness and accessibility of education are perennial topics at our Conference. If you are passionate about an issue in our country, we encourage you to make your voice heard by participating in QMP. So, whether you consider yourself an expert, or you are just beginning to explore the interesting world of Canadian Politics, QMP will be an incredibly enriching experience for you!
HOW DOES THE APPLICATION PROCESS WORK?
The first step to ensuring your presence at QMP is fill out an General Delegate Application. This application will ask you to articulate reasons why you are interested attending QMP and how you would make a positive contribution to the conference. Secondly, we ask that you submit your application as soon as possible on our Eventbrite page by the required deadline. Once your application is submitted and reviewed, your name will be entered into the “Delegate Lottery”. The Delegate Lottery is a public event in which three hundred and seven names are selected from the applicant pool to be Delegates at QMP. All remaining names are placed on the Waiting List. In the event that a Delegate that was selected at the Lottery cannot attend the conference the first person on the Waiting List will be asked to fill this spot. Please do not be discouraged if you are placed on the Waiting List as there is a possibility that delegates will have to drop-out last minute. It is even possible that you will receive a spot in the conference the night before the conference begins.
I DON’T KNOW HOW TO WRITE A BILL…
No problem! Caucus Meetings primarily entail brainstorming and defining a party’s ideas for their respective bills! Each party executive will lead their member’s through the bill writing process, so you will have an experienced team to help guide you! Bill writing is a very interesting experience and we encourage you to participate in the process!
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?
In the fall semester, one hour Caucus Meetings will be held weekly on one evening per week. These meetings are held at a time that accommodates any students that have night class or other evening commitments. Delegates are permitted to miss two caucus meetings, or three Caucus Meetings if they attend the Leadership Debate in November. In mid-January, students will travel to Ottawa for three days to attend the conference and then it’s all done!
WHAT IS THE PEER MENTORSHIP PROGRAM?
When you are a first year and it is your first time at QMP, the conference can be overwhelming. Often first year delegates take their first experience as a testing-period where they are involved the least amount possible and assume an observational role to get a feel of the conference. The Peer Mentorship Program is meant to help ease this transition into the conference and facilitate a more productive and inclusive environment for those who have never attended. By assigning mentors to all first year delegates, newcomers can feel comfortable asking questions and benefit from someone showing them the ropes of what QMP is all about.
IS QMP JUST FOR POLITICAL STUDIES MAJORS?
No! QMP is a conference for students of all faculties. In fact, we encourage students from all faculties to attend QMP because it allows a multitude of opinions to be presented and debated at the conference. In politics, differing opinions drive healthy debate and discourse and we believe that QMP is enriched by a variety of opinions as well.
I CAN’T AFFORD TO PAY THE QMP DELEGATE FEE…
This shouldn’t prevent you from applying! If you are selected as a Delegate for QMP, you are automatically eligible to apply for a bursary that is administered by the Campus Activities Commission. You must fill out the bursary application and submit it within two business days of registering for QMP. The bursary application will require you to demonstrate that you are in financial need and explain any circumstances that you feel are relevant to your application.
HOW DO I PICK A PARTY? AM I ASSIGNED A PARTY OR AM I FREE TO CHOOSE?
Initially, you will be assigned to one of the five parties. You must remain in this party for the first two Caucus Meetings. Following the first two meetings, during the 3rd and 4th Caucus Meetings, you are free to shop around to find a party that suits you best. During this period you can explore all of the parties and their respective party executive to help you decide which party will work best for you. After the 4th caucus meeting you will have to decide if you want to remain in the party in which you were assigned to or if you wish to switch parties!
WHAT ARE CAUCUS MEETINGS LIKE?
Caucus Meetings are where each party will be electing their party leader, party executive, and drafting their bills. During these meetings each party will be preparing everything they need to present at the conference in January..
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE FOR QMP?
At the Caucus Meetings in the first semester there is no dress code. We understand that Delegates are very busy and will be running from activity to activity throughout the day. Feel to come in whatever clothing you are wearing that day.
In the House of Commons, Delegates are required to follow the House of Commons Rules of Order and Decorum. This means that all Delegates will adhere to the Dress Code rules below:
- No jeans or denim of any form is permitted in the house. No party emblems, political party paraphernalia, or political slogans of any kind are permitted in Parliament. No Athletic wear of any kind is permitted in the House.
- Males are required to wear a suit jacket and tie at all times. The suit jacket cannot be removed while inside the House of Commons, unless the individual is wearing a vest of the same material as the suit. If the jacket is removed the vest may not be taken off. Dress shows are required, no casual or running shoes are permitted.
- Females must be dressed as to not expose their shoulders. Skirts must fall to the knees and, pantyhose must be worn with all skirts. Necklines should be kept at a conservative height. Open-toed shoes are not permitted and in general footwear should cover the heel.
Any Delegate failing to adhere to the Dress Code will be asked to return to the hotel and change into the proper attire. Despite the gendered nature of the Dress Code, Delegates are encouraged to follow the gender presentation that best represents their identity.