While autumn is well and truly here in Lier, it is a little late for Signe Ramson Høie (23) from Gullaug.

The Ap politician is one of the youngest members of the city council. She can usually be found at Oslo Met – where she is studying for a degree in social work, at her part-time job or in one of the municipality’s many meeting rooms – where political issues are presented and adopted.

In addition to her place on the city council, she is also a member of the education, culture and sport committee.

But she has now put all that on hold until Christmas. In early September, she lands in Canada, more precisely in Brantford, just outside Toronto.

– I feel good here, the city is not that big and so far it is quite warm here. At least until this week, now it is quite sour, but oh well, Signe said on the phone from what will be her place of residence for a few more months.

Big differences

The reason for the temporary move is the exchange of studies and practice. Signe will be a qualified social worker this summer. The experience of Canada shows that she will be with her in the future.

– It’s very exciting to try out the social work profession here, to see how social work works in Canada. I thought it was very similar to Norway, but it’s not. There’s not much help for people who fall outside here and there’s a lot of homelessness. It’s sad to see, says Signe.

She also reacts to the way the indigenous population is treated.

– Canada has a bad history in terms of how the so-called “First Nations” have been treated. There are much bigger social problems and differences here, and completely different ways of dealing with them. This made me even more aware of the importance of continuing to work for a good welfare state, she adds.

– It’s nice to be here, but I’m very happy to be from Norway and to work here.

Signe traveled with a fellow student from Oslo Met, and the first few weeks were spent getting to know the program, the city, and other fellow students. In a week, she has a trip planned to the Rocky Mountains to see what the area has to offer.

– We were well received and people are very kind and polite. And this is the first time since I have been a student that I am just a student. While I am here, I do not have any position or part-time job alongside my studies. It is funny to feel that, she says.

Politics and studies

While Signe is in Canada, she is on leave from her political duties in Lier. Like several of the younger members of the city council, she has requested an exemption during the current period. She finds it positive that it is possible for young people to both receive an education and remain involved in local politics.

– Being a student and a politician is a good combination, but it is clear that it takes a lot of time. It works if you want it to work. I have less time to read than the people I study with, both because politics takes time and because I have to work part-time, but regardless, I think that getting involved in the office and politics is a very good experience, says Signe.

– Is there anything that can be done to involve more young people?

– Yes, that’s the NOK 10,000 question… Go around the schools, tell them why young people should get involved – and then it’s important to think that a position on the city council becomes what you make of it. Every party has a responsibility to mobilize young people, and that’s important. We need all ages in politics.

– Do you want to continue after the next local elections in 2023?

– It’s up to the members who will be on the list, but I had a lot of fun on the city council. So I could imagine it, but it’s a little difficult to know what the future holds. I’ll finish my studies this summer and I’ll start working. It’s hard to predict what my daily life will look like then, says Signe.