Rick Stiebel
B次元官网网址 Gazette staff
DonB次元官网网址檛 be surprised if you see Bernardo del Castillo EckermannB次元官网网址檚 name appear on ballot box somewhere down the road.
The 16-year-old Belmont secondary student has set his sights on a life in politics after he finishes high school, gets his law degree and works for 10 years. Eckermann said attending the BC Youth Parliament in Victoria in December has furthered an interest in politics that dates back to growing up in Brazil.
B次元官网网址�(From a young age) I always liked social studies and history and why things happen the way they do,B次元官网网址� he explained. B次元官网网址淚 saw many things going on that I didnB次元官网网址檛 think were right and that led me to following politics closely.B次元官网网址�
That interest continued when he moved to Langford two years ago. The biggest difference he sees between politics in Brazil and Canada is that elected officials in Brazil are tied more closely to local issues, as opposed to Canada, where he believes candidates tend to stick to the party line more.
B次元官网网址淚 feel that federal and provincial politicians here arenB次元官网网址檛 engaged enough in the communities they represent,B次元官网网址� said Eckermann, who is in Grade 11. B次元官网网址淭hey focus too much on what the party wants and not what the people in their community want. In general, people want more freedom, less regulation and the opportunity to make their own choices.B次元官网网址�
He is passionate about equality as well. B次元官网网址淟ook at how First Nations communities donB次元官网网址檛 have proper water, something we take for granted,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚t should be a basic right for everyone.B次元官网网址�
ItB次元官网网址檚 been an easy transition since moving to the West Shore at age 14, Eckermann added. B次元官网网址淓veryone has made me and our family feel welcome. The students and teachers at Belmont have treated me nicely. The principal, Ray Miller, and my career teacher, Nadine Nicholson, have been a huge help in making me believe I can reach my goals.B次元官网网址�
Eckermann doesnB次元官网网址檛 have any political preferences at this time. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 trying to decide which one best suits my beliefs,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淟angford is my home and I want to represent the people who live here.B次元官网网址�
He is looking forward to attending the BC Regional Youth Parliament later this month in the Kootenays. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a great way for young people to get engaged and get a look at what the life of a politician might be like.B次元官网网址�
HeB次元官网网址檚 also focused on working at the youth parliamentB次元官网网址檚 summer Camp Phoenix this summer, which provides opportunities to attend camp for kids eight to 12 who couldnB次元官网网址檛 otherwise afford to attend.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 very rewarding to feel like you can make a difference for someone who doesnB次元官网网址檛 have the same opportunities as me.B次元官网网址�
reporter@goldstreamgazette.com
