The House of Commons of Canada is vastly different from the typical MUN committee experience. Abandon the diplomatic, ordered debate of the United Nations and plunge into the thrilling world of party politics, parliamentary strategy and Question Period. Debate issues that strike closer to home, and connect to how your pursuits, if made real, could deeply affect the future of Canada. This is what prospective Members of Parliament should expect upon joining this exciting and exclusive VMUN committee.
In its thirteenth year running, the HOC will attempt to accurately model the essence of the real House of Commons, the most important legislative body in Canada. Members will have the opportunity to represent Canadians in ridings from coast to coast to coast, and be part of federal political parties. Along with holding sessions in the entire House, members will be part of three specialized Standing Committees that will take a more in-depth look at national issues.
Prospective members should have an interest or a desire to learn more about Canada and Canadian politics, and be prepared to work with fellow party members as a team to achieve political goals. PMRs, the HOC counterpart to position papers, are mandatory for all members, and it is expected that members thoroughly prepare and research their roles. The HOC is a challenging yet exhilarating committee that will undoubtedly grant invaluable insight into the hallowed halls of Canada’s Parliament.
Members of the House of Commons will write Private Members’ Resolutions (PMRs) in lieu of position papers. PMRs are mandatory, and must be submitted by January 12, 2026, at 23:59 PST. More information about PMRs can be found in the Private Member’s Resolution Guide.
Topic: Housing Crisis (Click to show summary)
The housing crisis in Canada is characterized by a shortage of affordable residences as a result of high rental costs that thwart easy access to housing. With a complex causation rooted in population growth and a mismatch in supply and demand, the housing crisis has long been a thorn in Canada’s growth. Surging living costs and economic uncertainties intensify the imminent pressures the government faces to address housing affordability. It is an issue that has surfaced to the forefront of most citizens’ concerns, not the least because of its prominent impacts on well-being, financial security, and select vulnerable communities. Current solutions proposed by the federal, provincial, and municipal governments explore approaches from financial incentives to immigration regulations—tapping into a political tapestry of formidable scale.
Sissi Zhao | Speaker
A senior at Crofton House School, Sissi is delighted to be serving as the director of the House of Commons at VMUN 2026. This will be her fourth year walking through these committee halls, and while the third time is supposedly the charm, she is certain the fourth should only get better. Canadian politics aside, she would love to converse about anything from the weather to Taylor Swift’s overdue engagement. She looks forward to meeting everyone and wishes all delegates the best in their preparations!
Sienna Geissler | Deputy Speaker
Sienna, a Grade 12 student at Little Flower Academy, is incredibly honoured to serve as the Deputy Speaker of the HOC at VMUN 2026. Ever since Grade 9, she began to explore the world of debates ending in policies, the shout of “decorum” over delegates chit chatting, and the ever-so-sweet pound of a gavel on wooden tables. From that point, the magic of Model United Nations would not subside. She viewed each conference as an opportunity to create lasting connections and listen to the brilliant ideas of those around her. She encourages each delegate to face VMUN 2026 in the same manner. Apart from MUN, Sienna can be found singing in choir, on her tiptoes in ballet pointe shoes, and baking many trays of decadent cookies. She eagerly awaits the 2026 Canadian House of Commons delegates and the numerous memories that their speeches, debates, and conversations will create.
Kaiya Uppal | Clerk
As a Grade 11 student at Crofton House School, Kaiya is thrilled to serve as the Clerk of HOC at VMUN 2026. Since her very first MUN conference where she started her journey as a delegate, Kaiya has been swept away by the fast-paced and exciting environment of Model United Nations. Outside of the conference room, Kaiya can be found spending her time at competitive ice hockey games every weekend, reading the newest book in her growing collection, or hiking her way across British Columbia. It is her hope that VMUN 2026 will be a productive, fun filled conference full of heated debates, intense discussions and unforgettable memories!
Vincent Zhao | Clerk
Entering Grade 11 at St. George’s Senior School, Vincent is super excited to serve as the Clerk for HOC at VMUN 2026. Ever since nervously stepping into an in-school Model UN committee in Grade 7 and only delivering one speech throughout the entire day, he has been captivated by the intense yet fascinating world of political discourse and international relations. From 8 AM crisis events to staying up with friends in the vibrant city at night, Model UN has become an integral part of Vincent’s high school experience. Outside the committee room, Vincent is usually at a mall in Richmond, taking photos of his cat, and being the best driver ever. Vincent looks forward to another year of invigorating debate and hopes all delegates have fun and try to participate.
You can contact the Speaker at hoc@vmun.com. Any questions regarding the committee or its debate procedures will be answered by email. PMRs must also be submitted to this address.