Student government is nothing new for universities, but students being the government is something unfamiliar.

And that’s just what the British Columbia Universities’ Model Parliament Society (UMPS) gives us a chance to witness.

UMPS’ model Parliament event took place this year from Jan. 7- 9 at the Legislature, showcasing some ultra-serious student MPs. Well-groomed in business suits, they conducted themselves to the rules and standing orders of Parliament.

The opening ceremony was conducted in full regal form — the actual B.C. ceremonial mace was used, and all rose when the acting Governor-General entered, Mr. David Anderson (former Liberal Environment Minister for Chretien, and MP for Victoria until 2006).

As Anderson proclaimed from the throne, the issues before the parliament were the need to create a sustainable and stable economy, to fight poverty in light of the recession, to find alternate forms of energy (as the historic extraction of resources has become increasingly environmentally dangerous) and to fight rising tuition costs that “make the pursuit of higher education prohibitively expensive and inaccessible for young Canadians.”

As the evening wore on, it became clear that the three acting parties (Liberals with 39 seats, Conservatives with 29 and New Democrats with 16) were behaving exactly like the real thing: the Liberals bringing up their past achievements, the Conservatives talking about the economy and looking after “Joe Canadian” and the NDP saying neither party had done enough on climate change and poverty.

While the mock party leaders railed against each other, there were a few backbenchers that asked for the bickering to stop and for everyone to actually say something.

The B.C. UMPS program is based out of UVic, the University of B.C. (UBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU).

Before the model event takes place, two members of the three main federal parties advocate for people to sign up for their parties. The standings in the House are determined by a poll of the three parties (Liberal, Conservative, NDP) on the three campuses.

University of B.C. (UBC) student Benjamin Lee, who acted as the Liberal Minister for Social Advancement, said the event is a way into real politics for some.

He also said the UMPS program attracts all types.

“There are a lot of people here from all different disciplines — history, drama, a lot of poli sci students, but the important thing is that we take it seriously when in session, then kick it afterwards,” he said.

After the Parliamentary proceedings, the group kicked it indeed. A trip to Sopranos Karaoke Bar proved these students have more talent than just looking like professional politicians.

To get involved, or to find an application form and further information, look up the group’s Facebook group, or visit modelparliament.com.