House Leaders

Elected by BCYP’s Membership at the Legislative Assembly of BC in Victoria each December, our three House Leaders work collaboratively to guide Members and develop the organizational vision for the Sessional year.

Kevin Nicklin | Premier | New Westminster-Coquitlam

Returning for his 5th and final year, Kevin (he/him) is honoured to serve as the 98th Premier of BCYP. Raised in New Westminster, BC, he is a 4th-year student at the University of British Columbia, pursuing a degree in Political Science (Policy & Administration) and a minor in Social Justice. Previously in BCYP, Kevin has served as Deputy Speaker, Co-Chair of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, Critic of Camp Phoenix, and Minister of Sessional Affairs. Outside of BCYP, he volunteers with The Calendar UBC, an organization committed to fostering campus spirit through iconic student-run events, such as the annual Polar Bear Swim and Campus-Wide Snowball Fight. As Premier, he is dedicated to building a sense of community within the organization and is looking forward to helping his Ministers grow in their respective roles.

Kunwar Banwait | Leader of the Opposition | Surrey-Newton

Entering his 5th year of BCYP, Kunwar is honoured to be serving as this year’s Leader of the Opposition. Born and raised in Surrey, BC, Kunwar spends the majority of his time at Simon Fraser University, where he is currently a 3rd-year Political Science student. Previously, he has served as Minister of Finance, Provincial Secretary, and Critic of the Lower Mainland. Outside of BCYP, Kunwar is part of the Canadian Armed Forces, doing directed studies with Queen’s University and RMC, and works as a lifeguard with the City of Surrey. In his spare time, Kunwar enjoys lifting weights, playing chess, and being performative by reading feminist literature. He looks forward to engaging with new members and fostering an environment of collaboration this year!

Charles Macsabejon | Deputy Speaker | Chilliwack North

Charles (he/him) is returning to BCYP for his 5th and penultimate year to serve as Deputy Speaker. Born in the Philippines, he grew up in Chilliwack, BC, and currently resides in Vancouver, BC. Charles is in his 3rd year of studies at the University of British Columbia, where he is an Honours student in Political Science. He has previously served as Minister of Service, Chair of the 38th Vancouver Youth Parliament, and Minister of Sessional Affairs, among other roles. Outside of BCYP, Charles is Co-President of the UBC Jazz Club, where he helps foster a community of jazz-loving musicians. He also enjoys volunteering with the Acadia Food Hub, spending time in nature, and solving crossword puzzles. He looks forward to fostering collaborative debate during Session and getting to know new members!


Deputy Leaders

As BCYP’s dependable right hands, our Deputy Leaders both help manage and advise their respective Cabinets to execute the organizational vision for the Sessional year.

Luciana Brewer | Deputy Premier | Burnaby Centre

Luciana is in her 5th year of BCYP and is incredibly excited to serve as Deputy Premier! Her past BCYP portfolios include serving as Minister of Camp Phoenix, Minister of Corporate Relations, Parliamentary Secretary to the Lower Mainland, and Assistant Administrator and Recruitment Director for Camp Phoenix. She grew up in Burnaby, BC, but currently lives in Montreal, QC. Luciana is in her 3rd year at McGill University, double-majoring in Chemistry and Political Science. For the past few summers, she has worked on a local farm in BC and throughout the rest of the year, she volunteers as a swimming instructor in Montreal, QC. Luciana is also passionate about environmental youth advocacy and service. Some of her hobbies include skiing, dancing, exploring nature, and being a living legend. This Sessional year, Luciana is super excited to connect with all the members and run lots of awesome projects!

Zaara Rahiman | Deputy Leader of the Opposition | Surrey City Centre

Zaara is eager to return for her 4th year, serving as Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the 98th session of BCYP. Previously, she has served as Critic of the Provincial Secretary, Policy and Research Director of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, Minister of State (Gala), and Parliamentary Secretary to Fundraising. Raised in Surrey, BC, she is a 3rd-year Behavioural Neuroscience student at Simon Fraser University. Outside of BCYP, she is employed as an Officer with the Canadian Armed Forces and enjoys volunteering as a Research Assistant for Neurorehabilitation research. Zaara's return to BCYP fuels her desire to become a senior leader and mentor for new members of the organization!


Cabinet Ministers

Appointed by the Premier and their Deputy, our Cabinet Ministers work behind the scenes to carry out the organizational operations that help keep BCYP running each day.

Jai Sidhu | Attorney General | Delta North

Jai is in his 5th year of BCYP and is honoured to be serving as Attorney General and the Member for Delta North for the 98th Session. Jai is currently in his 4th year at the University of British Columbia, studying Political Science and Asian Studies. He has previously served as Co-Chair of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, and in numerous Shadow Critic positions. Outside of BCYP, he works as a Research Assistant for the UBC Department of History. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors, as well as playing guitar and drums. This Session, Jai is looking forward to working with Cabinet on reviewing and improving BCYP’s legislation, contributing to the continued development of the organization, reconnecting with returning members, and meeting new people at Session!

Ermira Progri | Minister of Community Development | Burnaby Centre

Ermira is in her 4th year of BCYP and is looking forward to serving as Minister of Community Development. In previous years of BCYP, Ermira has served as Minister of Regional Youth Parliaments, Minister of Service, Co-Minister of the Lower Mainland, Chief Returning Officer of the 38th Vancouver Youth Parliament, and Co-Programme Administrator for Camp Phoenix. She was raised in Burnaby, BC, though she comes from the mountainous region of Tropojë, Albania, for which she holds an immense amount of pride. Ermira is pursuing her 3rd year of Political Science and Law and Society Studies at the University of British Columbia, where she serves as Associate Vice-President External for UBC’s Pre-Law Association. Outside of academics, Ermira is a Board Member within the Albanian Canadian Society for Social and Economic Progress. Ermira is extremely excited to see everyone’s passionate voices and ideas blossom at this upcoming Session!

Osborn Song | Minister of Corporate Relations | Richmond-Steveston

Returning for his 2nd year, Osborn is honoured to serve as Minister of Corporate Relations for the 98th Session of BCYP. Raised in Richmond, BC, he is a Grade 12 student at St. George’s Senior School. Osborn previously served as Government Whip of the 39th Vancouver Youth Parliament and will serve as Leader of the Opposition for the 40th Vancouver Youth Parliament. Apart from his work with BCYP, Osborn is a varsity badminton player and a piano teacher in his community. He also volunteers as a youth program coordinator for a foundation supporting families of children with disabilities, where he runs arts, sports, and caregiver programs. As Minister of Corporate Relations, he is dedicated to building lasting partnerships with organizations that share BCYP’s commitment to young people and looks forward to meeting everyone this year!

Hayden Sterczyk | Minister of Donor Engagement | Victoria-Beacon Hill

Hayden has been a Member of BCYP since the 94th Session. He currently sits as the Member for Victoria-Beacon Hill, with additional responsibilities as Minister of Donor Engagement. From 2022 to 2024, he sat as the Member for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. Hayden grew up in Nanaimo, BC, and now attends the University of Victoria. He intends to graduate in 2028 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Outside of BCYP, Hayden is a volunteer with Literacy Central Vancouver Island, a non-profit community organization based in downtown Nanaimo. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1256 in Victoria, BC, where he is a Knight of the Third Degree. Beyond volunteering, Hayden enjoys fly fishing, hiking, road trips, and watching Turner Classic Movies. He has the makings of a champion bridge player...once he finishes learning how to play.

Peter Boudjok | Minister of Finance | Burnaby South-Metrotown

Peter is a 4th-year BCYP Member from Burnaby, BC, who is serving as this year’s Minister of Finance. Last year, he served as Minister of Fundraising. He is currently a 3rd-year student in the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia, specializing in Operations & Logistics. He currently serves as an E-commerce Analyst at Mercana and a Teaching Assistant at UBC. He is the Industry News Director for UBC SCOA, and spent his past summer volunteering for the World Cup and coaching basketball. In his spare time, Peter loves to stay active, whether it is playing sports, hiking, or working out, and hopes to grow a large LEGO collection. This year, he is excited for Session and upcoming major projects!

Bana Anabtawi | Minister of Fundraising | Coquitlam-Burke Mountain

Bana (she/her) is a 4th-year BCYP Member who is excited to serve on Cabinet as Minister of Fundraising, having previously served as Minister of Grants and Bursaries and Parliamentary Secretary to the Lower Mainland. She grew up in Coquitlam, BC, and currently lives in Vancouver, BC, to attend the University of British Columbia, where she studies Political Science and International Relations. Outside of her busy schedule tutoring, researching, and planning events for her school’s coffee club, she loves crafting, climbing, and LARPing as a food reviewer for her friends. This year, Bana is excited to continue fostering the tradition of getting people together to go to Beaver Tails during meal breaks at Session.

Iza Ali | Minister of Grants and Bursaries | Abbotsford-Mission

A 3rd-year BCYP Member, Iza is serving as Minister of Grants and Bursaries. She lives in Mission, BC, and attends Simon Fraser University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with a joint major in Business, Philosophy, and Law. Outside of BCYP, Iza enjoys giving back to her community and seeking new adventures. She serves as the Membership Chair for the Rotaract Club of the Fraser Valley and works as a Research Assistant at her university. In her free time, she enjoys reading, practicing Taekwondo, and going to the gym! This year, Iza hopes to help BCYP grow and thrive, particularly by ensuring more bursaries are claimed and supporting the success of the organization's projects.

Jeffrey Anh Khang Vu | Minister of Information Management | Langley-Walnut Grove

Jeffrey (he/him) is a 3rd-year Member of BCYP and has the incredible privilege of serving as this year’s Minister of Information Management. Jeffrey was born and raised in the Township of Langley, BC, on the ancestral and unceded territories of the Matsqui, Kwantlen, Katzie, and Semiahmoo First Nations, where he continues to reside while pursuing Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University. Outside of BCYP, Jeffrey is an avid volunteer, working with officials at all three levels of government and conducting research initiatives across BC. In his recreational time, he greatly enjoys a plethora of diverse activities, including reading, frequenting local businesses, and practicing his piano skills. Jeffrey is greatly looking forward to the Sessional year and is particularly excited to Clerk at Regional Youth Parliaments.

Lauren Wilson | Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs | Langford-Highlands

Entering her 2nd year of BCYP, Lauren is excited to serve as this year’s Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. During BCYP’s 97th Sessional year, Lauren also served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Islands, Bill-Presenting Critic of the 32nd Fraser Youth Parliament, and Attorney General of the 32nd Islands Youth Parliament. Lauren is from Victoria, BC, where she is currently a Grade 12 student at Royal Bay Secondary School (RBSS). Outside of BCYP, you can find Lauren volunteering with the Young Canadians’ Parliament, developing her school’s yearbook as Head Editor, planning events with the RBSS leadership team, and working as a junior instructor at her dance studio. In addition to this, Lauren is a competitive dancer, avid reader, and regular player of Trainwreck Labs games. This Sessional year, Lauren is excited to meet new people, engage in BCYP’s service activities, and serve as Premier for the 33rd Islands Youth Parliament.

Michael Ilori | Minister of New Member Relations | Nanaimo-Gabriola Island

Michael is entering his 2nd year of BCYP and is thrilled to be serving as Minister of New Member Relations. Michael has extensive experience with BCYP, serving as Critic of the Attorney General of the 39th Vancouver Youth Parliament, Regional Secretary of the 32nd Fraser Youth Parliament, and Premier of the 32nd Islands Youth Parliament. Michael is currently attending Vancouver Island University for an engineering transfer certificate and also works part-time as a Town Line Construction Labourer. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, watching TV, and hanging out with friends. He is incredibly excited to debate Private Members’ Resolutions this year and continue learning new things.

Nicky Nguyen | Minister of Public Relations | Surrey-Guildford

Returning for her 3rd year of BCYP, Nicky (she/her) is honoured to serve as the 98th Minister of Public Relations on Cabinet. She is currently a 1st-year General Sciences student at the University of British Columbia in the Science One program, aspiring for a career in Medicine. Nicky has previously served as Attorney General and Government Whip of the Vancouver Youth Parliament, as well as Deputy Premier and Critic of Communications of the Fraser Youth Parliament. Beyond Youth Parliament, she sings with Choral Reef, UBC A Cappella’s largest auditioned a cappella group, and volunteers with Music for Mental Health and STEM Fellowship at UBC, supporting community outreach and creating opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. As Minister of Public Relations, Nicky looks forward to strengthening BCYP’s social media presence, fostering meaningful public engagement, and sharing the impact of Youth Parliament with a wider audience.

Sukhmani Sandhu | Minister of Regional Youth Parliaments | Surrey South

Sukhmani is returning for her 5th and final year and is grateful to serve as Minister of Regional Youth Parliaments. Previously, Sukhmani has been Co-Chair of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, and has held the portfolios of Attorney General, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, and Provincial Secretary. She is from Surrey, BC, and is a 5th-year Journalism student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Outside of BCYP, Sukhmani is Editor-in-Chief of The Runner, KPU’s student newspaper. She is most looking forward to Regional Youth Parliaments and meeting new (and returning) Members at Session.

Kiana Alai | Minister of Service | West Vancouver-Sea to Sky

Kiana (she/her) is excited to be entering her 4th year of BCYP as the 98th Minister of Service. Her hometown is Squamish, BC, but she is currently residing in Vancouver, BC, as she completes her undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia in Political Science and Journalism. Previous portfolios Kiana has held include serving as Minister of New Member Relations, Parliamentary Secretary to the Lower Mainland, Co-Minister of the Lower Mainland, Minister of Public Relations, and Co-Recruitment Administrator for Camp Phoenix. Outside of BCYP, Kiana is a volunteer at the Museum of Anthropology and enjoys sewing, skiing, and collecting shells. Kiana is most excited for all of the amazing, spectacular, and magnificent service events coming up.

Sharon Adebisi | Minister of Social Development | Surrey-Cloverdale

Sharon is in her 3rd and final year of BCYP, having previously served as Minister of Grants and Bursaries and Assistant Administrator for Camp Phoenix. She is from Surrey, BC, and is in her 4th year studying Environmental Science at the University of Waterloo. Outside of BCYP, Sharon enjoys volunteering her time with various community passions, like community theatre and travelling. She loves her grandma-esque hobbies like crocheting and knitting, so volunteering with the Glamour Girls and giving manicures to seniors is her happy place. She is really excited to make this last Sessional year count.

Angela Han | Minister of State (Public Health) | Port Moody-Burquitlam

Angela is a 2nd-year Member of BCYP and is excited to serve as Minister of State (Public Health) for the 98th Session. She was born and raised in BC and is currently a high school senior at Port Moody Secondary School. Outside of BCYP, Angela particularly relishes conducting research in the biological sciences, exploring her surroundings, and being intrigued by both the profound and mundane aspects of life. Additionally, Angela has developed a fascination with skincare research and a growing recognition of the importance of skin health advocacy in her community, prompting her to start the Science of Skincare Club at her school and join Canada’s Save Your Skin Foundation. During her free time, she enjoys playing classical guitar, tennis, and binge-watching K-dramas. Angela is ultimately most excited to implement engaging projects for members and the community during the Sessional year.

Sophie Zaldy | Minister of the Interior | Peace River North

Sophie is a 2nd-year Member of BCYP, serving as Minister of the Interior for the 98th Sessional year. She is from Fort St. John, BC, and is currently in Grade 12 at North Peace Secondary School. Outside of BCYP, Sophie has worked as an outdoor lifeguard and serves as her school’s Student Council President. In her free time, she enjoys painting, hiking, and her silly hobby of shopping. This Sessional year, Sophie is excited to meet all the new members and get to know people from different parts of BC!

Manarap Popli | Minister of the Islands | Saanich South

Manarap is a 2nd-year Member of BCYP, currently serving as Minister of the Islands. Originally from India and now calling Victoria, BC, home, he is a 1st-year student at the University of Victoria studying Biochemistry, with hopes of pursuing Dentistry. Outside of BCYP, Manarap is involved in student leadership, community volunteering, and academic research. He serves as the Minister of Outreach for SEWA UVic and is the Relational Manager for UVic Badminton, while also participating in local community initiatives. He enjoys going to the gym in the mornings and playing musical instruments whenever he gets the chance. His slightly less productive hobby is spending way too much time on FaceTime with his best friends, who now attend different universities. This Session, Manarap is excited to connect with fellow parliamentarians, represent Vancouver Island, and make some great memories along the way.

Nav Rai | Minister of the Lower Mainland | Delta North

Nav is in her 2nd year of BCYP and is excited to serve as Minister of the Lower Mainland this year. Her hometown is Delta, BC, but she currently resides at the University of British Columbia, where she is a 1st-year student in the Faculty of Arts. Outside of BCYP, she works as a track and field instructor in the summers and volunteers at BabyGoRound, a nonprofit serving new families. In her free time, she enjoys working out, watching hockey, going for weekend trail runs with her track club, and eating mint chocolate Girl Guide cookies. This year, she is looking forward to Regional Youth Parliaments and meeting new people at Session and in the Lower Mainland!

Alice Su | Provincial Secretary | Surrey-Fleetwood

This being her 2nd year, Alice (she/her) is delighted to serve as Provincial Secretary for the 98th Session of BCYP. Residing in Surrey, BC, Alice is completing her 2nd year of the IBDP Programme at Johnston Heights Secondary. Outside of BCYP, Alice is President of the Pacific Asian Student Association, an organization dedicated to representing East Asian culture through hosting fun events for cultural holidays. Aside from academics and serving her community, Alice has a passion for reading, writing poetry, and photography. As Provincial Secretary, Alice is especially excited to design, write, and edit the newsletter for BCYP, known as the Parliamentarian (stay tuned for our first edition…)!!

In keeping with the parliamentary structure of BCYP, our board of directors of the Alumni Society are affectionately referred to as the "Senate". 

 

The British Columbia Youth Parliament models itself after the Westminster Parliamentary system. BCYP is sponsored by the Youth Parliament of BC Alumni Society. The Premier of BCYP serves as a representative of the membership on our Board of Directors.

 
 

Senate

Chair
Ranil Prasad

Vice-Chair
Jason Herbert

Executive Director
Semiah Marquard

Treasurer
Jeremy Law

Secretary
Felix Mann

Registrar
Ambrose Yung

Chief Returning Officer
Karina Valcke-Beckett

Alumni Affairs
Joseph Chien

Director
Jesse Bartsoff

Director
Zara Herbert