Students enrolled in Professor Semra Sevi’s third-year political science course POL382: Political Representation recently took their studies beyond the classroom with a visit to Queen’s Park, where they observed Ontario politics firsthand.
The excursion included a tour of the provincial legislature, attendance at Question Period, and meetings with several high-profile provincial officials, including MPPs Chris Glover and Jessica Bell, Minister Nolan Quinn, and Premier Doug Ford. Back in the classroom following the visit, students were joined by former U of T student MP Fares Al Soud who discussed what a career in public service might look like for them.
For Professor Sevi, the motive behind the excursion was simple: “I organized the trip to Queen’s Park to give students a real, firsthand understanding of how politics actually works, beyond what we learn in class. In the course, we study the roles of elected officials, but seeing it live makes a huge difference. Sitting in the gallery during Question Period allowed students to observe the energy, the heckling, and the way questions are asked. This allowed students to apply what they’ve been learning in a real-world setting.”
Following Question Period, students met with MPPs Chris Glover and Jessica Bell, asking questions to better understand the role of representatives. They also spoke with Minister Nolan Quinn and Premier Doug Ford, raising important issues like OSAP, housing affordability, and public safety, “giving them insight into different political perspectives and how decisions are discussed at the provincial level.”
Students, including Isabella Ianni were inspired by the trip saying: “As a university student, the biggest takeaway from my experience at Queens Park was the realization that politics is something tangible, not just theoretical. 'Question period' was what can only be described as beautiful chaos, as arguments flew back and forth between the Conservatives and the official opposition. Witnessing Marit Stiles, NDP official leader of the opposition, fight for students’ rights to OSAP funding was admirable, especially her statement that students will face a 'lifetime of debt' due to these changes. Politics came to life, moving from something I only read about to something with actual moving parts. For a young person, the experience made me feel like I could also have a voice in politics and make the change I want to see in the world.”
For student Kiran Gill, the visit reinforced her interest in pursuing a career in public office: “As a racialized woman, the political sphere may feel daunting, more homogenous, and less reflective of my diverse identity — but this should not serve as a mental obstacle to pursuing a career in politics. By sitting in the Gallery, being recognized during Question Period, and interacting with multiple Ontario MPPs, a life in public office feels much closer than I ever imagined. This experience taught me the importance of taking up space in a political climate and industry that, while attempting to increase gender representation, still has significant progress to make.”
For Professor Sevi, this unique learning experience for her students reinforced the core objectives of the course, providing students with a rare opportunity to observe political representation in action and engage directly with policymakers from multiple parties.