Janae with Portage-Lisgar M.P. Candice BergenLocal grade 10 student, Janae Braun, is reflecting on her time in Ottawa earlier this month during Forum for Young Canadians. Braun, who attends Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Gretna, was only 1 of 6 Manitobans selected for the program this year, which offers future leaders a behind-the-scenes look at federal politics on Parliament Hill.

The experience included tours of the Senate, Rideau Hall, the Supreme Court and the House of Commons.

"It was just a thrill when you walk in the doors," said Braun referring to her reaction to being in the House of Commons. "All of the things you've seen in textbooks and online, to actually be able to witness that. I took tonnes of pictures."

The group also got the opportunity quiz the Speaker of the House, and meet their local MP during a special reception. As well, participants ran parliamentary simulations and Braun's group came out the winner.

However, Braun's favourite moments came elsewhere.

Additionally, the group participated in the Blanket Exercise, an interactive learning experience that furthers understanding of Indigenous culture and history in Canada.

When asked why she wanted to take part in Forum for Young Canadians, Braun said she's always been interested in knowing what went on behind the scenes of government and the processes involved in the many decisions that are made.

"I always hear about stuff on the news but you know that it's kind of one-sided depending on where you hear it from, your source, and I always wondered what went on (and) who influenced that decision," she explained.

As for what she took away from the experience, Braun said she learned not to make harsh decisions about the politicians working on Parliament Hill.

"They're actually under a lot of pressure from not only their peers, but from the public as well, and to know there's a lot of factors that play into the decisions they make although they may not be what you want."

All the students who participated in the 2019 Forum for Young Canadians