MP teaches Grade 9 students about government

By Rob Vogt
Grade 9 students at Willow Creek Composite High School had a first-hand education on government last week.
John Barlow, Member of Parliament for Foothills which includes Claresholm, paid a visit to Merry Franz’s Grade 9 social studies class on March 18 to discuss just what his job entails.
“I really look forward to these opportunities to come talk to the high schools,” Barlow said.
He added it provides a chance for him to get the pulse of what’s going on in his constituency.
Barlow explained his job is divided into two separate roles.
When the House of Commons is in session, he is in Ottawa. He is a member of the Conservative Party of Canada, and they are currently the official opposition.
During a typical day, he spends one to two hours in the House of Commons.
He also takes part in Question Period, where the opposition’s role is to ask the government tough questions on the issues of importance to Canadians.
The rest of his time is spent in committee meetings, caucus meetings, meeting with constituents and meeting with stakeholders.
He also has a position in the Shadow Cabinet, tasked with keeping the government to account.
Barlow is the shadow minister of agriculture and agri-food, meaning he sits on two committees through that role.
That also includes meeting with agriculture stakeholder groups. Currently, there are between 300 and 400 such groups.
When the House of Commons is not meeting, Barlow spends his time in his constituency where his focus is exclusively on local issues and people.
He visits communities to see what issues are important to them.
Barlow also visits students, like he was doing on that day at Willow Creek Composite High School.
He concluded his visit by answering a variety of questions asked by students.