He could have chose to ski, hang out with friends or take a trip, but Connor Gibson decided to spend his spring break door-knocking.
Gibson is a Grade 11 student at G.P. Vanier School and is on the communication committee for Comox Valley MLA and Liberal candidate Don McRae.
Although he can’t technically vote in the May 14 provincial election, Gibson is encouraging youth to speak up and get involved in politics — and is providing an easy way for young people to take the first step.
“Too many youth are not involved (in politics) because they feel it’s too far in the future,” he said, encouraging students to visit a campaign office. “You’ll get hooked, and it’s about stepping out of your comfort zone.”
Last weekend, Gibson organized a group of students to visit McRae’s office for an ‘open house’ where they met at the campaign office, spoke with McRae and learned about some of the details about running a political campaign.
“I would like to do it again in three weeks; it would be great,” Gibson noted, and added he has spoken with more than 40 students at his high school, and is looking at visiting other schools.
Gibson said his interest in politics was spurred when he ran for class mayor in Grade 3 and won, and met with then-Courtenay Mayor Starr Winchester.
“I helped with Stan Hagen and his campaign and Paul Ives’, along with federally, John Duncan’s,” he noted. “I helped put together brochures and rack cards along with the website.”
Gibson added as part of his work with McRae’s campaign, he will work on organizing a variety of events, including a flash mob.
He said after he graduates high school, he “would love to go into political science” and is also looking into law at the University of Victoria and other universities off the Island.
To organize a tour or to contact Gibson, e-mail: gibler646@gmail.com.
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