Legislative Page Program for Grade 7-8 students

Legislative Page program for Grade 7-8 students-Applications Due November 15

www.ontla.on.ca

 

 

Each year approximately 140 young students from across Ontario are selected to participate in the Legislative Page Program.  This is a unique educational experience open to all Ontario students enrolled in grades 7 or 8, and provides an opportunity to work in the Legislative Chamber as well as explore the history and traditions of the Legislative Assembly. 

The Program is designed for outgoing, high-achieving, community-involved students who have demonstrated responsibility and leadership.  Legislative Pages experience the provincial legislature in action, meet key parliamentary and political figures, and learn first-hand about Ontario’s Parliament and legislative process.  They also have the opportunity to forge new lifelong friendships with peers from all over Ontario.

The Page Program is only offered when the provincial legislature is in session, usually from mid-February until early June and from early September until mid-December.

Selected students are granted a leave of absence from their school to serve their term of duty as Pages.  While at Queen’s Park, Pages are under the direction of the Page Program Coordinator who is a certified Ontario teacher.  Pages receive an honorarium of $15.00 per day during their term of duty.

 

Before you begin the Application Process
Discuss your intention to apply to the Legislative Page Program in Toronto with your parents/guardians and teachers.
You must meet the academic and other eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements
Students MUST:
• Be currently in grade 7 or grade 8
• Attend school in Ontario
• Have an academic standing of Level 4 (80 % or higher)

In addition students should:
• Demonstrate involvement in a variety of extra-curricular activities, both in and outside of school
• Demonstrate responsibility, maturity, teamwork, commitment and leadership
• Have an interest in current affairs
• Have strong social skills and get along well with peers and adults 

Application Deadlines
Your completed application must be submitted to the Legislative Page Program by:
• June 30 for the Fall Parliamentary Session (September to December)
• November 15 for the Spring Parliamentary Session (February to June)
Grade 7 students may apply to both Sessions - November 15 & June 30
Grade 8 students may only apply to the Spring Session - November 15

 

The Application Process
There are three steps to the application process that must be completed in the following order:
1. Write an essay (750 words, double-spaced)
2. Fill in the Online Application Form (and include your essay)
3. Complete the Consent Form
Applications are accepted from April 15 until June 30 and from September 15 until November 15.

The Essay
Applicants must answer the following two-part question in essay format. Remember to use specific examples to support your application and to demonstrate why you would be the best candidate.

1. Tell us what experiences, achievements (academic, athletic and community) and activities you have been involved in at school, at home or in your community which demonstrate your leadership, responsibility and interpersonal skills.
2. Explain why you are the ideal candidate for the Legislative Page Program and describe the unique qualities you would bring to the program.

Online Application
In order to complete the online application, you will need the following:
• Your first and last name, complete home address (including the postal code), and home telephone number
• Parent/Guardian information (names, daytime telephone numbers and an e-mail address)
• Current academic average (if you aren't sure, ask your teacher)
• Current school information (school name, address, phone number, principal's name)
• Name of the provincial riding where you live and the name of your MPP. If you are unsure about your provincial riding (electoral district), you can check the Elections Ontario website
• Your completed essay (you will have to copy & paste your essay directly into the online application)
• Access to a printer (print a copy of your completed application and the Consent Form)

Consent Form
The Consent Form must be signed by your parents/guardians, your teacher and your school principal and it must be submitted by your school directly to the Legislative Page Program.

Print the Consent Form and ask a parent or guardian to sign it. Then, take it to school and give it to your teacher to complete - choose the teacher you think knows you best. After your teacher has signed it, give the form to your principal. Your Principal must sign it and return the form to the Legislative Page Program by e-mail: page_application@ontla.ola.org or by fax: 416-325-3842.

To complete your application, signed Consent Forms must be received by the deadline.

Next Steps
1. Write your essay! Remember to write 750 words, double-spaced.
2. Make sure you have all the information listed above.
3. Complete the ONLINE APPLICATION (requires Adobe Reader).
4. Print the Consent Form
5. Complete the Consent Form. Get the required signatures and have your school submit the form by the deadline.

Are you ready?