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Greetings, everyone! Today, I’m excited to share my experience of attending the orientation day for the Legislative Pages program at the Ontario Parliament. It all began with the anticipation of joining this prestigious program, and finally, this Friday marked the day of our orientation. The Legislative Pages program is highly competitive, with only 150 students chosen from grade 7 and 8 classes around the province.

The day started with a slight hiccup as we were directed to the north entrance of the Parliament in Queen’s Park, instead of the south entrance, causing a bit of confusion. After a brief detour, we found our way to the correct entrance and proceeded through security, a process that took no more than a couple of minutes. Our morning kicked off with a delightful pancake breakfast at the cafeteria, setting a pleasant tone for the day ahead.

Once we got some nutrients from breakfast, we gathered in the dining room where program coordinators provided valuable insights into what to expect during our time as Legislative Pages. It was emphasized that we must bring along our required uniform items, including black shoes, a black belt, and a white collared shirt, along with a combination lock for our lockers.

Following the introductory session, we engaged in icebreaker activities and were then led to our designated page quarters, where we would spend the majority of our time. A classroom session followed, focusing on the proper delivery of documents to the chamber and familiarizing us with our responsibilities on the chamber floor. We even had the opportunity to practice our duties firsthand, under the guidance of program staff, while our parents watched from the gallery.

We were also provided with study materials to familiarize ourselves with parliamentary procedures, including seating arrangements and the structure of various ministries.

One unique aspect of the program is the rotational leadership roles among the pages. Each day, two pages are selected as captains, responsible for overseeing duties and passing on important information to the next pair of captains the following day. It’s a system that fosters teamwork and leadership skills among participants.

Lunchtime provided a welcome break, with delicious pizza served to refuel us for the afternoon ahead. We then proceeded to get fitted for our uniforms, with half of the attire provided by the program. Important information about commuting arrangements was also shared, including reimbursement options for public transit and gas expenses for those traveling from out of town.

As the day drew to a close, we had our pictures taken for identification purposes, eagerly anticipating the official start of our duties next week. We concluded with a brief session in the dining room, where any remaining questions were addressed before we headed home.

To conclude, the orientation day was not just informative but also an exciting glimpse into the unique opportunities that lie ahead as Legislative Pages. From gaining leadership experience to rubbing shoulders with Members of Parliament, the program promises to be both enriching and stimulating. And who knows, perhaps I’ll even have the chance to meet Premier Doug Ford or work closely with the Speaker!

As I start this program, I am filled with excitement and gratitude for the experiences that await. Stay tuned for more updates on my journey as a Legislative Page!