The Socials 10 classroom recently transformed into something far more dramatic than its usual setting: the Canadian Parliament of 1917, complete with cabinet ministers, opposition benches, shouted interjections, and a monarch who appeared just long enough to deliver a solemn Speech from the Throne.
The simulation, led by teachers David Lynch (as Speaker of the House) and Adrian French (in a cameo appearance as King George V in full regalia), immersed students in the charged atmosphere of the Conscription Crisis. Each student stepped into the role of a real Member of Parliament from the period and took part in the debate on mandatory military service.
Before the formal session began, the room sounded less like Parliament and more like backstage at a school play. Students rearranged chairs, whispered strategy, and clarified which side they belonged on. One government member was heard summing up the math with confidence: “All we have to do is raise our hands and we automatically win.”
Once order was called, the House shifted — at least in imagination — to the Senate Chamber for the ceremonial opening of Parliament. Students stood to sing God Save the King before hearing King George V outline the government’s priorities: relief after the Halifax Explosion, legislation to prevent wartime profiteering, expanded food production, growth in shipbuilding, and a plan to introduce mandatory military service.
Back in the House of Commons, the class re-created one of Parliament’s oldest traditions: the reluctant Speaker. Because Speakers in early British history sometimes risked the king’s displeasure, the role became symbolically “dangerous,” and newly chosen Speakers were traditionally dragged to the chair. Students carried out the ritual with enthusiasm as two members escorted Mr. Lynch to his seat, prompting plenty of laughter.
Once settled, Speaker Lynch walked students through the procedures of debate. He outlined the rules of order, the acceptable moments for commentary (“Hear, hear!” encouraged; personal insults not), and the consequences for disorder, including the ever-popular threat of “imprisonment in the cell below.”
With roles clarified, the Minister of Militia rose to table the Military Service Act. Students passed copies of the bill around the room, just as MPs would have done in 1917. The minister read the central elements of the proposed law, explaining who would be drafted and in what order. Even before debate began, it was clear the issue would divide the chamber.
The discussion that followed brought out strong views on loyalty, sacrifice, fairness, and the limits of government authority during wartime. Students spoke from the perspectives of their assigned identities and relied on parliamentary conventions ranging from formal speeches to well-timed cries of “Shame!” or “Hear, hear!”
By the end of the session, students gained insight into one of Canada’s most contentious political moments and experienced how Parliament weighs competing viewpoints to shape national decisions.
Socials 10 Mock Parliament
Socials 10 Mock Parliament
Socials 10 Mock Parliament
Socials 10 Mock Parliament
Socials 10 Mock Parliament
