Educational Foundation of the Ontario Association of Former Parliamentarians
La Fondation Pour L’Education de L’Association des Ex-Parlementaires de L’Ontario
Welcome
Welcome to our home page. The Ontario Association of Former Parliamentarians was established by legislation in the 37th Parliament, First Session - in Bill 65 on May 10, 2000 with all party support. Full information on the Association may be found at ontafp.com.
Briefly, the primary objectives of the OAFP include offering experience in support of parliamentary democracy in a non-partisan way, to foster good relations between current members, and to serve the interests of former parliamentarians.
A group of former MPP’s, with the support of the OAFP, created a federally incorporated, independent, not-for-profit organization, the Educational Foundation of the Ontario Association of Former Parliamentarians. The Foundation, which is also a registered charity, has set a goal of developing educational and outreach opportunities to expose Ontarians, particularly students, to the three branches of our democracy, legislative, executive and judicial.
While our efforts were delayed by the pandemic, we are delighted to be launching our first Educational Study Tour. On this website, you’ll find background information on the proposed Study Tour as well as the forms required for students to apply to participate in this falls’ tour.. Our first invitations are extended to students at the three Universities in Toronto, but our goal is to have a much wider invitation, with a larger group size, for subsequent events (after we work out any kinks!!)
We welcome your interest in the Foundation. Our goal to increase the size and scope of our educational outreach and we appreciate any feedback on how best to meet our objective to
improve awareness of the scope and significance of parliamentary democracy.
For study tour enquiries, or any other feedback, we can be reached at:
Room 1611 Whitney Block,
99 Wellesley Street West,
Toronto. Ontario. M7A 1A2
Tel: 416-325-4647
E-Mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Foundation has embarked on a bold initiative aimed at Ontario university students in order to encourage them to become well-informed and engaged citizens. We will be offering small groups of students opportunities to experience and understand the various forms of government we have in our country from common law to the civil code to Indigenous forms of government.
Our first in-depth program will occur this fall, 2024. During the week of October 21 to 25 six students will spend time at Queen’s Park, Toronto, Superior Court in Toronto, House of Commons and Senate in Ottawa, as well as the Supreme Court in Ottawa.
Student Program
Exploring the reality of serving in elected office
Textbooks are helpful, but what really happens after someone is elected as an MPP or MP?
- Is Question Period just bad theatre?
- Why does it take so long for laws to be passed?
- Does the Canadian Senate have a useful role?
- What is the connection between the Assembly and the Courts? If the Court finds legislation to be unconstitutional what happens next?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of our parliamentary system?
- Is the position of Lieutenant General an anachronism?
These questions and many more will be answered for those university students selected to explore the reality of serving in elected office during a one-week intensive course. Accommodation, meals and travel during the week are provided by the program.
Qualifications for acceptance to the program
- Be age 18 or over
- You are a full-time 2nd year or beyond student at University of Toronto, York University or Toronto Metropolitan University (for Pilot Program only – if program evaluated as successful, then future programs will be promoted at every Ontario university.)
- The ability to speak and understand French is an asset but not a requirement
- Provide an explanation, in 250 words or less, of why you wish to enrol in this program
The students who participate will be required to submit a brief report at the end of the program.
Exploring the reality of serving in elected office
- This is a one week in-depth program
- To ensure maximum benefits, the group size will be limited to no more than six students
- Your meals, accommodation, and travel expenses are included
- Our program highlights include visiting Queen’s Park, Ontario Superior Court, House of Commons in Ottawa, as well as Canada’s Senate, and the Supreme Court of Canada. You will meet Members of Provincial Parliament, Members of Parliament, Senators, the Speaker, the Clerk, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and other people integral to our parliamentary system.
- This is a unique opportunity to learn the reality of being elected from MPs and MPPs.
Qualifications to be accepted into the program
- Be age 18 or over
- Be a full-time 2nd-year or higher student at University of Toronto, York University or Toronto Metropolitan University
- The ability to speak and understand French is an asset but not a requirement
- Provide an explanation, not more than one page, of why you wish to enrol in this program
How To Apply
- Student application form is on our website – www.oafpef.com
- Deadline for application midnight Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
- Applicants chosen for interviews will be informed of the timing of interviews shortly after October 1, 2024
*** For further information feel free to contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Exploring the reality of serving in elected office
October 21 to 25, 2024
Application Form
Must be submitted by midnight Tuesday, October 1, 2024
