On Thursday, May 8th, thirteen U.S. students from Grades 8 through 11, accompanied by Mrs. Flores, Ms. Yu, and Mr. Buda, set out on a journey to the National March for Life. What none of us expected, however, was that our trip would begin with an unforgettable and exclusive experience: a private, after-hours tour of the Senate of Canada.
This remarkable opportunity was arranged by Ms. Yu through her friend, Senator Yonah Martin, who represents British Columbia and serves as the Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition in the Senate of Canada. From 7:45 to 9:00 p.m., we found ourselves nearly alone in the historic Government Conference Centre, which currently serves as the Senate’s temporary home while Centre Block undergoes its first major renovation since 1920. Besides security personnel, we were the only ones in the building, which added a surreal quality to the evening.
Senator Martin greeted us graciously and began a fascinating tour of the Senate’s temporary chambers. She explained the significance of the building, which was once Ottawa’s central train station, and described how it had been transformed to house the nation’s Upper House during the ongoing restoration.
When we entered the Senate Chamber itself, we were amazed to learn that even Members of Parliament are not allowed inside unless invited. Yet here we were, female high school students, being welcomed not only into the chamber, but into the actual seats of Canadian Senators. Some of us even sat in the Prime Minister’s chair, an experience that left us nearly speechless with excitement!
As if that were not enough, Senator Martin mentioned that King Charles would soon be visiting Ottawa and entering this very chamber. Knowing that we had just stood in the same room where royalty would soon walk made the experience even more thrilling.
Senator Martin then shared her personal story of how she became a Senator. After losing an election in Vancouver, she received a call from Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who offered her a seat in the Senate. He explained that her background – being born in Korea, living in Vancouver, and having worked as a teacher – gave her a unique and valuable perspective. She told us that her path to the Senate was extraordinary in its ordinariness. She did not have to do anything special, she said. She simply had to be herself.
She also shared that she is a Christian and told us that Senate sessions begin with a prayer. Although some have tried to remove this tradition, it has remained. Senator Martin encouraged us to take an interest in the decisions being made in our country and to consider running for office one day. If we do not engage, she reminded us, others will make decisions for us.
After the tour, we all reflected on how eloquent, genuine, and inspiring Senator Martin was. We felt deeply privileged and grateful to have received such a personalized and unexpected tour of Canada’s Upper House. It was a powerful and moving start to our trip – one that reminded us of the value of public service, the importance of participation, and the incredible stories that can unfold when someone simply chooses to step forward and serve.