How it Works
Who Can Enter?
Students in Grades 10-12 in MP Pat Martin’s riding (Winnipeg Centre)
Click here to view a detailed map of the riding
Submission Categories
One winner will be chosen from Grades 10-12
Number and Length of Submissions
- Each student may submit up to two bills
- Bills should be 1-3 pages in length
- Bills must be non-partisan and politically neutral
Deadline for Submissions
- 9:00 pm Central, February 15, 2010
- Bills must be submitted online, through the Create Your Canada website
- Contest winners will be announced in March 2010
- The prize trips to Ottawa will occur in Spring 2010
Prizes
The winning student from each submission category will receive a free trip to Ottawa to watch MP Pat Martin present their bills in the House of Commons. The trip package includes flights and accommodations for student winners and one adult chaperone.
- If a contest winner decides not to accept the prizes offered, then the winner receives no prize.
- Prizes may not be substituted for any amount of money.
- If a contest winner is found to have cheated in any way, he/she will be disqualified immediately.
- By submitting their bills, contestants agree to the release of their bills and the use of their name and the name of their school on the Create Your Canada website and in other press materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do this project with a friend?
Students may work together if they wish.
How can a Grade 10 student compete against a Grade 12 student?
Anyone, regardless of age, can come up with a terrific idea. The contest judges are looking for the best bill idea.
Who picks the winners?
A panel of regional judges that includes leaders in education, teachers, and community people.
Judging Criteria
Submissions will be judged based on:
- Organization
Clear expression of ideas and direct connection between the stated issue and proposed solution
- Originality
does the bill tackle the stated issue in a new and unique way
- Jurisdiction
The bill must be within the realm of federal powers and cannot involve spending money (Private Members’ Bills propose revenue-related measures)
- Benefit and/or Impact
Does the proposed bill have a positive impact on society
- Ease of Enforcement
Can the proposed bill be easily enforceable or will enforcement be a challenge
