The internship experience was something that actually started from the moment I received the call of acceptance from the National Council on Canada-Arab Relations. It was that very same day I had to make the 7 hour journey to Ottawa, Canada from the Niagara Region where I currently reside.
Upon arrival, the introduction was insightful and informative. I had the chance to work with MP Libby Davies from the NDP party who holds a solid stance towards the war on Gaza and on the issue of the occupation of Palestine. It was refreshing to work with an MP who was open-minded yet knowledgeable on this issue, an issue that is generally one-sided in Canadian politics.
During my duration working at Parliament Hill, I got the chance to meet many interesting people such as Jack Layton and the NDP caucus, Dr. Monia Mazigh and crossed paths with the likes of MP Bob Rae, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff, and Bloc Québécois leader Gilles Duceppe.
I think I even saw Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on his official visit to Canada, but maybe it was just his entourage!
It was also interesting to attend the daily Question Period sessions live in the House of Commons from time to time. I felt as if I knew what was going on in every part of Canada by the time the session was over. In addition, being able to attend committee meetings on international issues was an eye opening experience for me as it gave me an insight on some of the most contentious issues of the day and showed me the importance of studying an issue in-depth, bringing in witnesses to testify and the politics of coming to a conclusion.
As a student of Political Science, I believe this experience has been a stepping stone for me intellectually and for my career choices in the future. The knowledge that I have gained through this experience will help me in carving out the path of my future whether it is in the field of Political Science or on another path. An experience whether good or bad is ultimately an experience and either way knowledge can be derived from it. As they say ‘knowledge is power.’ With this power, positive change can be made.
As an Arab-Canadian, I feel it is important for NCCAR to continue conducting these summer internship programs for young Canadians with Arab descent so that we have a greater presence on Parliament Hill enabling us to become more influential in Canadian society while creating the future leaders of tomorrow in this country we love and call home.
Yusuf Al-Harazi
Yusuf on the Hill!
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