A Visit from Our Local MLA, David Eby
Written by Judy Hyojoo Rhee
Local MLA, David Eby
presenting in UHill Secondary. |
This October, the Honorable David Eby visited University Hill Secondary School to give a presentation to students participating in the Law 12 course.
A lawyer and advocate for human rights, Mr. Eby currently serves as both the Attorney-General of British Columbia and a Member of Legislative Assembly for the Vancouver-Point Grey area. He has previously taught at the University of British Columbia as an adjunct professor of Law, and served as the Executive Director of the BC Civil Liberties Association. He was also president of the HIV/AIDS Legal Network. In 2011, Mr. Eby was the recipient of the B.C. Human Rights Coalition’s annual award for his work at Vancouver’s Pivot Legal Society. At the event, Mr. Eby discussed his background, his role as Attorney General of B.C. and an MLA, and how he became involved in the world of politics. He introduced UHill students to the various policies he was overseeing, such as those pertaining to money laundering and gambling. Students had the opportunity to ask questions, and the topics further discussed ranged from the ramifications of cannabis legalization, to the upcoming proportional representation referendum, and to money laundering. Mr. John Yetman, a Law 12 and Social Studies teacher at University Hill, was invited to provide a few words regarding this event: “It was a pleasure to have our Attorney General and local MLA the Honorable David Eby take time from his very busy schedule to address the students at University Hill. Too often our political system seems far removed from the general population. That is why it is important for youth to see their representatives up close and personal. Our democracy will only improve with greater involvement and especially from our youth. Having Mr. Eby come and address the future voters of BC is an essential part of building an interest in our democracy. I believe that the majority of the students present benefitted from the experience and will hopefully, continue developing an interest in our government. The future of this city, this province and this country is in the hands of all young people and I know that those who take an interest in our future will have the tools and the understanding in how to effect change. Democracy is not something that you watch happen, it only functions through participation.” |