The VIU Political Society will be hosting an event that will give students the opportunity to listen to, and mingle with, local politicians on March 24.
The event will give students a chance to socialize with each other and local politicians, and act as an opportunity to provide knowledge about the VIU Political Society and its plans.
“We have written up a letter and sent it to politicians in the area to invite them,” club chair Avery Bonner said.
Some of the expected speakers include Nanaimo-Ladysmith NDP candidate Sheila Malcolmson, Nanaimo-Ladysmith Green party candidate Paul Manly, Nanaimo mayor Bill McKay, and various MPs.
“We want a little bit of everything and will have representatives from each major party,” Bonner said.
The event aims to give students interested in politics the chance to mingle with each other, as well as with professionals. The goal is to have each of the politicians that attend to speak on issues such as youth voter turnout, Bonner said.
“We want to address voter apathy among youth,” Bonner said.
Media outlets such as CTV, the Nanaimo Daily News, and CHEK news will be attending.
In addition to the political conversation, there will also be free food and live music provided by local entertainer Nick Begg.
The event will take place on March 24, from 11:00-3:30 in building 355, room 211. From 11:30-1:00, municipal representatives such as Nanaimo’s mayor and council members will speak; from 1:30-3:00, federal representatives from the NDP, Liberal, Green and Conservative parties will speak.