KENORA – If you have ever watched the Legislature on television, you have likely noticed student pages shuffling between the aisles during proceedings. Legislative Pages are an integral part of the daily operations at Queen’s Park. During their term, Pages are active participants in the days’ proceedings and they can often be seen on the Parliamentary broadcast delivering documents to members, sharing notes and other information, and delivering petitions to the Clerk’s desk.
In addition to being an active part of the province’s legislative process, Pages are able to meet other students from across the province and take part in field trips and other special activities during their visit, which normally lasts from two to four weeks.
While the program does not cover a student’s accommodations, program administrators will often work with successful applicants to find lodging and the program will help offset some of the student’s travel costs to Toronto. The program will cover daily travel costs to and from Queen’s Park and successful applicants will receive an honorarium of $15 per day as a way of thanking them for being part of the program.
Over the years, many students from the Kenora-Rainy River riding have taken part in this outstanding program. I hope to see that list grow over the next few years.
To be eligible, students must be in Grades 7 or 8 and have an academic average of 80 per cent or higher. The application process involves a 750 word essay, an online application and a consent form, which must be signed by a parent or guardian as well as a teacher and their principal.
The next round of applications for the Spring Parliamentary Session is open to both Grade 7 and 8 students. It closes on November 15. Applications for next fall’s Legislative Session, which is only open to Grade 7 students, will then be considered with a deadline of June 30th.
Sarah Campbell MPP
Kenora Rainy River
More information on the program, and applications forms can be obtained through any of my community offices, or by contacting the program administrators directly at 416-325-7457 or by email atpage_program@ontla.on.ca. Additional information is also available on the Legislative Assembly Website at http://www.ontla.on.ca and by following the links to the Legislative Page Program on the right toolbar.
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