Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Parliament - Foundations

Foundations

The Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Parliament is one of many mock parliament organizations Canada-wide, all with a common heritage. In the beginning of the 20th century, the Boys' Work movement of the YMCA began, promoting physical, mental, spiritual and social development of young Christian men. One very important, and continuing component of this movement was the Canadian Standard Efficiency Training, which incorporated the "Trail Rangers" and "TUXIS" programs. "TUXIS" - meaning Training for Service with Christ in the Centre, you and I on either side, and no one but Christ between us - is the foundation of the mock parliaments created by the YMCA. Starting as a conference in which the boys of the Boys' Work programs could participate directly in determining the objectives of the group's program. The first confirmed of these style mock parliaments was held in Ontario in 1917, under the name of the Ontario Older Boys' Parliament, and followed a similar format as seen today.

As the idea began to gain popularity, TUXIS and Older Boys' Parliaments began to crop up in nearly every province. Gradually the YMCA withdrew its involvement, and the parliaments evolved into autonomous entities.

Today Youth Parliaments exist in many of the provinces, with Newfoundland being the only of the Atlantic. Each of these parliaments, although they do share the same origin, have varying focuses. The Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Parliament and La Parlement Jeunesse du Quebec have a primary interest in social and political interests, while the British Columbia Youth Parliament has a very strong commitment to other forms of community service. The only Youth Parliament in Canada to retain its TUXIS designation is that of Alberta. In addition to the provincial Youth Parliaments, the four western-most provinces hold a Western Canada Youth Parliament annually.