So you’re convinced that Forum is for you. And why wouldn’t you be? A behind-the-scenes Parliamentary adventure is pretty exciting.

Now, on to the task of convincing the parental units. Lucky for you, it shouldn’t be a hard sell. To show them just how serious you are, here’s where you can ready yourself with savvy answers to their questions.

Q: What is this Forum thing?

A: It’s an educational experience created to teach teens—like me—about the ins and outs of running the country. Each session gives 125 high school students from across Canada a bilingual, behind-the-scenes study of Parliament Hill.

Q: How long does it last?

A: It’s one week long from Sunday to Friday. But there are three separate weeks to choose from in fall/early spring. Look here for specifics.

Q: How much will it cost?

A: It’s $895 for the week. That includes:

• hotel accommodation (triple occupancy) at an Ottawa hotel;
• travel costs are provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Exchanges Canada program;
• all meals during the program, beginning with dinner on Sunday and ending with breakfast the following Friday;
• instructional materials;
• instructional staff;
• transportation by bus within Ottawa including a guided tour of the city; and
• special activities (e.g., Members' of Parliament Dinner, Senators' Breakfast, and Closing Dinner).

Also, there are a few bursaries available for qualifying students and a good chance that I can get sponsors from our community.

Q: Can anyone participate?

A: I have to show that I'm interested in politics, am a leader in my community and am between the ages of 15 and 19.  My high school (or Cégep) will also have to agree to let me attend the program.  Students from across Canada are encouraged to apply!

Q: What will you get out of it?

A: Based on the alumni—the former participants of Forum—many have gone on to study Political Science, International Relations, Mass Communication, History, Law and more. You might recognize some famous alumni names like: Seamus O’Regan from Canada AM, Winnipeg-South MP Rod Bruinooge and Ian Capstick of Power and Politics.  Others are involved in their communities across the country and around the world

It’s also a chance to brush up on a second (or perhaps third) language and to learn how to put my ideas into action in my own community.

Q: Is it sponsored by a specific political party?

A: No. It’s non-partisan. Forum is a program run by The Foundation for the Study of Processes of Government in Canada. It’s a non-profit registered charitable organization that has existed for over 36 years.