Algonquin student will spend next year in the House of Commons

File photo inside the House of Commons


Officials at École Secondaire Algonquin are thrilled to announce that one of their grade 12 students is off to Ottawa in August. Brianne Paulin is one of 40 applicants from across Canada who was selected to be part of the House of Commons Page program. Complete details are in the ESC Algonquin news release below.

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Ms. Paulin is the sixth student from ESC Algonquin to be selected as a Page since this prestigios program began in 1978. ESC Algonquin Principal Grégoire Lefebvre is confident that Brianne will do an excellent job. “Brianne is one of our top students. She has already demonstrated that she is up to the task. She has proven time and again through her involvement in her school as well as in her community that she is a leader. They could not have chosen a better candidate.”

The 19 year‐old says that she is honoured to be given this opportunity and is looking forward to the experience. “I am very excited to live and study in our nation’s capital, and work on Parliament Hill at the heart of Canada’s democratic system,” says Brianne.

Nipissing‐Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota, himself an ESC Algonquin graduate, says that it is always exciting to have a constituent working as a Page in the House of Commons. “Pages are an integral part of the day‐to‐day activities in the House,” says Mr. Rota, “and I am thrilled that Brianne will be on hand to witness what stands to be a very exciting session of Parliament.”

The Pages provide various services to the Members of Parliament, Chair Occupants and Table Officers, and have the opportunity to learn about the House of Commons while witnessing the legislative process first hand. Professional, impartial and efficient service has become a hallmark of the Page Program.

Ms. Paulin will begin her one‐year term as Page in late‐August. Pages are required to work a minimum of 15 hours a week, and university course schedules are arranged in consultation with the Page Program to ensure that a Page’s academic timetable nd House work schedule are both accommodated.

One of the first tasks that Ms. Paulin will be expected to complete during her Page training involves memorizing the names of all 308 Members of Parliament an the ridings they represent. Ms. Paulin believes that she is up to the challenge. “I am determined to meet all the demands of this program and I am looking forward to this new challenge,” says Ms. Paulin. “I am especially proud to represent ESC Algonquin and North Bay and area as a Page in the House of Commons next year.”

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