House Leaders
Isabella Harmel | Premier
Isabella is returning to parliament for a fifth and final year and is excited to be serving as Premier. A student at the University of Victoria studying political science and geography, she hopes to pursue a masters of planning after graduation. Isabella has held a variety of roles within BCYP, including Minister of Regional Youth Parliaments, Minister of Finance, and Minister of Public Relations. Outside of the organization, Isabella loves to spend time in nature, write, and watch as many movies as humanly possible. Isabella is so honoured to lead this incredible group of Ministers and see all of the incredible projects they accomplish this year.
Finn Thoms | Leader of the Opposition
Meet Finnley (Finn) Thoms, an enthusiastic and dedicated individual who’s thrilled to be the Leader of the Opposition of the 97th British Columbia Youth Parliament (BCYP). Originally from the qathet region, Finn now resides in the Lower Mainland while attending Simon Fraser University, where he’s in his third year studying political science and social data analytics. Beyond BCYP, Finn’s work includes facilitating and advocating for social and restorative justice, and working as a line cook. In his free time, Finn enjoys music, food, and being outside. Throughout his 4 years in BCYP, he served on Cabinet as Attorney General and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Corporate Relations, and on Shadow Cabinet as Critic of Corporate Relations and Opposition Whip. Finn is looking forward to everything the 97th BCYP will achieve; however, he’s particularly excited for the return of Camp Phoenix!
Kevin Nicklin | Deputy Speaker
In his 4th year of BCYP, Kevin is honoured to serve as the 97th Deputy Speaker. Raised in New Westminster, BC, he is a 3rd-year at the University of British Columbia, pursuing a degree in Political Science (PPA) with a minor in Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Social Justice. Previously, he has served as Co-Chair of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, Critic of Camp Phoenix, and Minister of Sessional Affairs. At university, he volunteers with The Calendar UBC, an organization dedicated to community building through flagship events, such as the iconic campus-wide snowball fight. Recreationally, Kevin can be seen frequenting cafes, crashing out over assignments at Wreck Beach, and thrifting without financial restraint. At session, he is most excited to meet new members and continue the tradition of Hispanic Lunch!
Cabinet
Ainsley Jones | Deputy Premier and Minister of the Lower Mainland
Ainsley is in her 4th year in BCYP. Previously, she has served as the Parliamentary Secretary to Fundraising and Minister of Finance. Her hometown is New Westminster, but she lives at UBC where she studies Forestry. Outside of BCYP she volunteers at her church and the Agora Cafe on Campus, and works at a Mexican restaurant. Some hobbies of Ainsley’s include cooking, baking, and going to the gym. She is so excited to meet all the new members and see everyone at Session and Lower Mainland events throughout the year!
Luciana Brewer | Minister of Camp Phoenix
Luciana is in her fourth year of BCYP and is incredibly excited to serve as Minister of Camp Phoenix! Her past BCYP portfolio includes serving as Minister of Corporate Relations, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Lower Mainland and Camp Phoenix Assistant Administrator and Recruitment Director. She grew up in Burnaby, BC but currently lives in Montreal, QC. Luciana is in her second year at McGill University, majoring in Chemistry and Political Science. This summer, she worked on a local farm in BC and throughout the rest of the year she plans to work in Montreal as a Taekwondo instructor. Luciana is also involved with a variety of environmental, youth advocacy and service organizations. 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 Camp Phoenix!
Suhkmani Sandhu | Attorney General
Sukhmani is in her 4th year of BCYP and very excited to be serving as Attorney General. Her previous positions include Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Chair of the Fraser Youth Parliament, and Provincial Secretary. She is from Surrey, B.C. and is in her fourth year of her undergraduate studies in journalism at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Some of her favourite hobbies are reading, photography, watching sports, and listening to music. Sukhmani is most looking forward to question period, PMR debates, and meeting new (and returning) members at session!
Kunwar Banwait | Minister of Finance
Going into his fourth year in BCYP, Kunwar is enthralled to be this year's Minister of Finance. In a previous sessional year, Kunwar had the pleasure of serving as the Member for Surrey-Newton, the multicultural suburb he originally hails from. Despite this, Kunwar spends a majority of his time up on Burnaby Mountain where he is currently a second year Political Science student at Simon Fraser University. Outside of BCYP, Kunwar works as a lifeguard with the City of Surrey and volunteers part time with the 3300 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corp. When discussing hobbies, Kunwar is a mosaic of different interests that he picks up for a week and drops on a whim, but the ones he sticks to most are working out, playing chess, and reading feminist literature. This year, Kunwar is most excited about talking to new members and all the shenanigans that will come with session
Peter Boudjok | Minster of Fundraising
Peter is a third-year BCYP member from Burnaby, serving as the Minister of Fundraising. Last year, he served as the Minister of Donor Engagement. He is currently a second-year student at the Sauder School of Business at UBC, with aspirations of becoming a corporate lawyer. He currently serves as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant at UBC. In the past, he has volunteered as a basketball coach, camp supervisor, and presented business workshops to elementary students. In his spare time, Peter loves to stay active, whether it is playing sports, hiking, or working out. He also likes making beats in his spare time!! This year, he is excited for Session and leading some exciting fundraisers.
Victoria Chen | Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fundraising
Victoria Chen is in her second year of BCYP and is excited to serve as the Parliamentary Secretary to Fundraising! This is her first year serving as a cabinet member at BCYP. At Regional Youth Parliaments, she has held the positions of Minister of Communications, Minister of Industry, Attorney General, and Deputy Prime Minister. Born and raised in Surrey, BC, Victoria currently resides in Vancouver. She is in her first year of studying International Economics at the University of British Columbia. Outside of BCYP, she works as a Centre Assistant in her neighbourhood Kumon Math and Reading Centre. She can also be found volunteering at community events, watching YouTube commentary videos, or playing with her silly, fat cat. This year, Victoria is excited to meet BCYP members at Session and work with the Minister of Fundraising to bring everyone some awesome fundraisers!
Ermira Progri | Minister of Regional Youth Parliaments
Ermira is in her third year of BCYP and is looking forward to pursuing her position of the Minister of Regional Youth Parliaments. For the 96th sessional year of BCYP, Ermira had the honour of holding the position of the Minister of Service, Co-Minister of the Lower Mainland, and Chief Returning Officer of the 38th Vancouver Youth Parliament. She was raised in the city of Burnaby, though comes from the mountainous region of Tropojë, Albania, for which she holds an immense amount of pride. As of right now, she is a second year student at the University of British Columbia where she is pursuing a major in Political Science and a minor in Law and Society. Outside of her academics, she is pursuing an internship with Turing as a Team Lead and holds the position as a Board Member within the Albanian Canadian Society for Social and Economic Progress. Ermira’s hobbies include music, specifically singing, as she has been performing since a young age, as well as baking. Ermira is extremely excited to view everyone’s passionate voices and ideas blossom!
Charles Macsabejon | Minister of Service
Entering his fourth year in BCYP, Charles is serving as the Minister of Service this year! Born in the Philippines, Charles grew up in Chilliwack and is currently residing in Vancouver for his studies at UBC to pursue a B.A. in Political Science. Previously, he served as Minister of Sessional Affairs and Critic of Public Relations. Outside of BCYP, Charles is a member of the Arts Undergraduate Society’s Arts Council. In his spare time, he enjoys going on hikes and checking out trails throughout the Lower Mainland. He also enjoys music and can sometimes be seen having a bit too much fun soloing on his saxophone. Charles is looking forward to not only presenting his plans for community service, but getting involved in it as well!
Jayden Sohal | Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Lower Mainland
Jayden is entering his 4th year of BCYP and is excited to be serving as parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Lower Mainland, having previously served as the Critic of Public Relations & Donor Engagement. Jayden is from Nanaimo, however he is currently a third-year business student at Simon Fraser University. He also works as a coach for the Vancouver Whitecaps, Team Nike Elite XI Canada & Vancouver United. Outside of BCYP, he enjoys playing Soccer, making videos, and fantasy football & basketball. Jayden is looking forward to reconnecting with new and old members as well as ensuring we do the best we can to make sure Camp Phoenix is a success this year!
Colin Sparks | Minister of the Islands
Meet Colin Sparks, an enthusiastic and dedicated individual who is ecstatic to serve as the Minister of the Islands (cough cough the best place in British Columbia) for the 97th British Columbia Youth Parliament (BCYP). Colin’s spawn point to this planet is in Calgary, Alberta and has been raised in the Westshore of Victoria since the age of 2. He currently lives between his parents in Metchosin and grandparents in Cordova Bay, while being a 3rd year student at the University of Victoria. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography with a minor in Economics. As cliche as it sounds, Colin has a deep passion for urban planning and politics, with the life long mission of creating a better world. Colin is currently serving on the City of Colwood's Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and previously served on the City's Active Transportation Committee. This last summer Colin had the honor to have a co-op work experience at WATT Consulting Group as a Transportation Analyst. When Colin is not studying or serving the community, he also enjoys hiking in East Sooke Regional Park and out in the Garry Oak Meadows found across the Islands. Colin is returning for his second year at BCYP and is particularly looking forward to the parliament question periods. He deeply looks forward to meeting you and hopes you will enjoy and love this whole experience as much as he is.
Indira Ghosh | Minister of the Southern Interior
Indira is entering her second year at BCYP and is serving as Minister Of the Southern Interior for the 97th Youth Parliament. She is from Kelowna, BC, located on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx/Okanagan people. Currently, Indira is a grade 12 student at Kelowna Secondary School and a captain of the school's debate team . Through her involvement in BCYP, she has attended multiple RYPS and will serve as the Leader of Opposition for the 5th Interior Youth Parliament. Outside of session, Indira enjoys photography, sewing, long walks, and taxidermy. For the 97th sessional year, she is so excited to meet both returning and new members (especially those from the Southern Interior)!
Anneka Lekstrom | Minister of Northern Interior
Anneka is in her 2nd year of BCYP and is absolutely thrilled to be serving as Minister of the Northern Interior. She is originally from Dawson Creek, but she recently relocated to Saskatoon to attend the University of Saskatchewan, where she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Geophysics. Last sessional year, she served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Northern Interior, and she is super excited to be stepping into a leading role in the ministry. She is highly passionate about her career as a high-performance hockey official, her volunteer work, and her role as a geotechnical testing technician. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and learning about super niche topics. She is particularly excited to be a helping hand to the new members and work with her fellow ministers to help the Northern Interior thrive!
Kiana Alai | Minister of Public Relations
Kiana Alai is a third year member of BCYP and is excited to be your Minister of Public Relations! Last session, she served as Co-Minister of the Lower Mainland as well as Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the Vancouver Youth Parliament. She is from Squamish, and is in her first year at UBC studying political science. Kiana has done volunteering with her community's woman centre and different food banks in her community. She has been working at the Squamish Public Library as well for over two years now. In her free time, Kiana enjoys reading, gardening and scrolling (unfortunately). She is excited to see all the returning members, new members, and for Camp Phoenix.
Jasmine Dulay | Minister of New Member Relations and Parliamentary Secretary to Service
Jasmine is currently in her third year of BCYP, and is excited to serve as the Minister of New Member Relations as well as the Parliamentary Secretary to Service. In the past, she has served on shadow cabinet as the Critic of Fundraising. Jasmine grew up in Richmond, and is currently in her second year, pursing her undergraduate degree in Political Science at UBC. Outside of BCYP, Jasmine spends her time volunteering with the UBC Arts Undergraduate Society. She also enjoys vintage shopping, exploring nature, and collecting way too many tote bags. This year Jasmine is excited to see everyone at session, and to meet all of the new members!
Roz Shaw | Provincial Secretary
Roz is in their third year of BCYP and is thrilled to be serving on cabinet for the second time, this year as Provincial Secretary, and last year as your Minister of the Northern Interior. They are from the small but charming farming community of Dunster, BC, located on the unceded traditional territory of the Lheidli T'enneh and Simpcw First Nations. Currently taking some time off of school to travel and pursue passion and exciting adventures, although looking forward to pursuing fine arts and writing in the near future. You can find them working at both the McBride whistlestop gallery and Mt. Robson Café. Outside of BCYP they enjoy all things odd and whimsical, especially various forms of art such as painting, writing, photography, music, and theatre. They arealso a huge nature geek (and geek in general) and love spending time with the trees and fungi in any capacity! They are super excited for this sessional year and look forward to seeing all old friends and meeting some new ones!
Linda Wang | Minister Donor Engagement
Linda Wang is in her second year participating in BCYP and is excited to be returning as a member of Cabinet for the 97th Parliament. She was born in Beijing, China and has lived in Vancouver since elementary. Currently, she is in her first year at the University of British Columbia, studying Political Science. Outside of BCYP, she enjoys reading, drawing, and wandering through the city and neighbourhoods. She also has a passion for music, whether it’s discovering random new pieces, trying out different instruments, or playing for fun. Along with caring for her betta fish and chatting about politics with her peers, she keeps a balance of fun, learning, and creativity. This year, she is most excited to connect with new members, be inspired by her peers once again, and make friendships during the session!
Jeffrey Vu | Minister of Corporate Relations
Jeffrey is a second year member of the BCYP and has the incredible privilege of serving as this year’s Minister of Corporate Relations. Jeffrey is ethnically Vietnamese, though he was born and raised in the Township of Langley on the ancestral and unceded territories of the Matsqui, Kwantlen, Katzie and Semiahmoo First Nations, where he is currently a grade 12 student at Walnut Grove Secondary School. Outside of BCYP, he is an avid volunteer, serving as the co-president of his school’s Model UN and UNICEF club, as well as holding a position as a mentor with Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Langley and as an ambassador for the YDI, an initiative dedicated to professionally researching and assisting in improving the mental health of youth across British Columbia. In his recreational time, he greatly enjoys a plethora of diverse activities, including reading, frequenting local businesses, and playing the piano. Jeffrey is greatly looking forward towards the sessional year, and is particularly excited for Camp Phoenix and the Regional Youth Parliaments.
Bana Anabtawi | Minister of Grants and Bursaries
This is Bana’s (she/her) third year of BCYP and she is honoured to be serving as your Minister of Grants and Bursaries, having been the critic of the same last year, in addition to the Critic of the Lower Mainland and later the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Lower Mainland. She grew up in Coquitlam (the unceded territories of the Kwikwetlem First Nation), but currently attends UBC, where she is in her second year as an aspiring Political Science and International Relations major. Outside of BCYP, you can find Bana doing all sorts of things, from working as a camp counsellor or a barista to volunteering for various youth-led causes. She likes to read, do traditional cross-stitch and get heated about which matcha is the greenest. Bana is really excited to see everybody’s new ideas for the next sessional year, spend time with her BCYP friends, and of course, force all the members to go to BeaverTails (her signature thing).
Benjamin Seethaler | Minister of Sessional Affairs
Ben Seethaler will be your Minister of Sessional Affairs at the 97th BC Youth Parliament. It is his second year as a member of BCYP, having previously held the role of Bill Presenting Minister at the Vancouver and Interior Youth Parliaments. He was raised in Kelowna and moved to Vancouver this year to pursue a Bachelors of International Economics at UBC. Outside of BCYP he has worked as a badminton coach and Burger King cashier. He enjoys fishing, sailing, and underwater art museum construction. He looks forward to meeting all members, new and old, at session.
