r more than its institutions, tradi- tions and customs. It is the spirit of Parliament, the way in which it acts upon and touches the lives of society, which is the true measure of Parliament’s virtue.” A good assessment of what our system of parliamentary demo- cracy is all about? You bet it is. And the fact that the quote was penned by a 21-year-old makes it all the more significant. The author of the above quota- tion is Dean Crawford, who served as premier during the 61st session of the British Columbia Youth Parliament. It is an excerpt from the Speech of the Throne which I had the honor to deliver in the B.C Legislature on Dec. 27. When I was asked to serve as lieutenant governor for the session, I briefly wondered whether I could personally support the sentiments expressed in the throne speech, because just like the real L.G. I wouldn’t have a chance to alter one word of the speech. I needn’t have worried. If that throne speech was any indication of the young generation’s feelings towards our system of parliamen- tary democracy, we’re going to leave things in good hands. Here’s another passage from the speech. “We are blessed in this nation to be bestowed with the most endur- ing, stable and equitable form of government on earth. In an age _— Patronize any of these restaurants then submit your meal receipt together with the coupon on this page to the Review within 10 days. A drawing will be held every week from entries received during the previous week. One winner per week, for 13 weeks will receive a $25 Dinner Voucher. ($35 ff you're a Review Subscriber) fri Im and MA ] =a) Cau Wve bs~nb b a THE REVIEW RESTAURANT GUIDE B.C. Youth Parliament when governments across the ocean crumble before our very eyes, the durability of our West- minster parliamentary democracy stands as a shining example for all mankind.” You don’t mind reading stuff like that. And just what dees the youth parliament do? Well, for one thing, it holds regular parliamentary ses- sions. On Dec. 27 every year, close to 100 young people, aged 16 to 21, from all over the province assemble in the legislative cham- ber to debate and pass resolutions. RESTAURANT PATRONIZED | PO. Box 2070, SIDNEY, B.C. V8L 3S5 SUBSCRIBER YES 0 NO O | NAME ADDRESS CITY PHONE 7120 West Saanich Rd. FAMILY RESTAURANT For five days, they practise and hone their parliamentary skills which I have found to be every bit as good as those exhibited by those who occupy the chambers during the real legislative sessions. The group elects a premier who in turn appoints a cabinet. The house is divided into government and opposition members, but they do not represent specific parties. The debate can get lively, as it did this year when the assembly dis- cussed a private member’s resolu- | tion, condemning the U.S. invasion of Panama. The resolution was placed before the House by Luis Parr- eiras-Horta of Vancouver and seconded by Michelle Lawrence of Opinion TheReview Wednesday, January 17,1990 — B27 @ VICTORIA — “Parliament is Kelowna. Parreiras-Horta argued that the U.S. should have pursued a more diplomatic solution; Lawr- ence said that by “treading on another nation’s sovereignty,” the USS. didn’t act in the best interest of international harmony. Premier Crawford of Creston ignored both arguments and applauded the 1 invasion describing Noriega as “a drug-running thug reminiscent of the dark ages.” Perhaps, Dean will allow me to express a little caution. Charges against Noriega have not yet been proven in any court of law, Shouldn’t the man deserve the same privileges we enjoy, includ- ing that all-important principle which holds a person innocent until proven guilty? Other resolutions were less divi- sive, however, particularly those pertaining to the organizations year-round activities which include an annual summer camp for children and a variety of regional public-service projects. Pe ee ee ee $1 £00 OFF our regular price with I this coupon ! fo ea ‘Sidney Laser Therapy Ltd. 656-8086! (Next to Sidney Super foods) Clip’N’ Save for a healthy New Year Offer EXTENDED until January 31st/90 Make a resolution to quit smoking or lose weight — then come see us for a helping hand. §¢------- MON. - SAT. ee ee 11-10 PM. SUDNAY DINNER 4 PM. - 10 PM. 4 F OMMENDED — ‘4 aa BRENTWOOD BAY Ae PRAWNS SHICKEN BALLS >] Ths Finest Chinese Food “in Sidney” CHINESE NEW YEAR DINNER January 20th to February 5th CHICKEN CORN SOUP LOBSTER w/BLACK BEAN SAUCE «J = CHINESE STYLE GOO LO PORK GOOD FORTUNE CHOW MEIN GOOD FORTUNE FRIED RICE MINIMUM FOR TWO Reservations Appreciated GUNG HAY Val ri 656: 5112 9838 - 3rd St. Sidney Have you tried Sidney’s hottest New Lunch Spot? Early Dining Special Complete Dinner Between the Hours of 5 - 6:30 pm INCLUDES: Soup & Salad CHOICE OF: « English Cut Prime Rib ¢ Sole Francaise ¢ Bombay Curry PLUS Dessert of the Day Good Ol’ _ Days Valentine Ball $24°° couple ONLY $10°% Planning to — get married this summer? Come in and see ‘our Beautiful Banquet Hall! We cater _ up to 300 persons.