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Lyanah
Legislative Page 2025
Legislative Assembly of Ontario | Assemblée législative de l’Ontario
Toronto, Eglinton-Lawrence riding
Lyanah Bandukwala’s Ontario Legislative Page Experience | August 2025
In the spring of 2025, Lyanah Bandukwala had the honour of serving as a Legislative Page at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, a remarkable experience that offered her a firsthand view of how provincial government and democracy work in action.
At the time of her application and selection, Lyanah was a Grade 8 student at Glenview Senior Public School and a proud former student of Allenby Junior Public School in Toronto.
Serving during the Spring Session from Monday, May 26 to Friday, June 6, 2025, Lyanah supported Members of Provincial Parliament in the Legislative Chamber, observed live debates and legislative proceedings, and gained valuable insight into leadership, public service, and civic responsibility.
The Legislative Page Program is a unique opportunity for students to experience Ontario’s Parliament in action while learning about its rich history, traditions, and democratic processes. The role requires dedication, professionalism, and a full commitment throughout the term.
This experience significantly strengthened Lyanah’s confidence, communication skills, and appreciation for governance, while deepening her interest in leadership, community service, and public affairs.
Application process
Every Legislative Page secures their place through a highly competitive application process that includes an essay outlining their achievements, community involvement, leadership experience, and suitability for the program.
Students are selected from ridings across the province, bringing together young leaders from diverse communities to serve together at Queen’s Park.
A typical day in the program
One of the most exciting and demanding parts of becoming a Legislative Page is preparing for your term of duty at Queen’s Park.
Before arriving for the first day, each Page is required to study extensively and come fully prepared. This includes memorizing the names and faces of all Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs), along with their political parties, ridings, and assigned seats in the Legislative Chamber. Pages must also know the Cabinet Ministers and their respective ministries, understand the procedures of the Chamber, and learn how to deliver the four key parliamentary documents: committee reports, bills, motions, and petitions.
In addition, Pages are expected to become familiar with the offices and layout of the Legislative Precinct before their first day.
The schedule is rigorous and highly disciplined. Legislative Pages attend the program Monday to Friday, typically from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. On alternate days, dismissal is at 4:30 p.m., and on Fridays at 2:30 p.m. Attendance is mandatory for the full duration of the term, including all educational activities and field trips.
A typical day begins around 8:00 a.m., when Pages arrive at Queen’s Park, change into their uniforms, and help prepare the Legislative Chamber for the morning’s debates. Throughout the day, Pages take part in a wide range of responsibilities and learning experiences, including classes in legislative process and mathematics, delivering messages and water to MPPs in the Chamber, and meeting key parliamentary leaders such as party leaders and the Speaker of the House.
During my term of duty, I had the privilege of serving as a messenger on the floor of the Legislative Chamber, where I was able to meet key parliamentary figures and gain firsthand insight into Ontario’s parliamentary system of government.
Depending on the parliamentary session, a Page’s term may last anywhere from one to five weeks.
Beyond the learning and responsibilities, one of the most memorable parts of the experience is the friendships formed along the way. Pages meet fellow students from across Ontario who share similar interests in leadership, public service, and civic engagement, often creating lasting friendships through this unique educational journey.
Page Captain & Special Post
Before arriving at Queen’s Park for their first day, each Page must carefully study and memorize the faces, names, and office locations of all Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs). This preparation is an important part of being ready to serve confidently in the Legislative Chamber.
A typical day in the program begins at approximately 8:00 a.m., when Pages arrive at Queen’s Park, change into their uniforms, and help prepare the Legislative Chamber for the morning’s debates.
As the day progresses, Pages take part in a variety of responsibilities and learning experiences, including classes in legislative process and mathematics, delivering messages and water to MPPs in the Chamber, and meeting key parliamentary leaders such as party leaders and the Speaker of the House.
During my term of duty, I had the privilege of serving as a messenger on the floor of the Legislative Chamber, where I got to meet key parliamentary figures and learn firsthand about Ontario’s parliamentary system of government.
A Page’s term of duty can last anywhere from one to five weeks, depending on the parliamentary session.
One of the most rewarding parts of the program is the friendships built along the way. Pages meet fellow students from across Ontario who share similar interests, often forming long-lasting friendships through this unique and enriching educational experience.
Classroom Studies
Learning Beyond the Chamber: Academics in the Page Program
The Legislative Page Program is not only an incredible leadership and civic experience, but also a thoughtfully designed academic program.
Each week, Pages participate in Legislative Process and Language Arts classes, where they take part in activities and meet various individuals to deepen their understanding of Ontario’s parliamentary system of government. These assignments are closely aligned with expectations outlined in Ontario’s Language Arts curriculum, helping students strengthen their research, writing, and communication skills.
In addition, Pages attend two math classes each week, usually held during the afternoon session while the Legislature is in “Orders of the Day.” During these classes, students work independently on math assignments provided by their schools, with support and tutoring from the Page Coordinator whenever needed.
Pages are also expected to track completed work, set academic goals for upcoming classes, and complete reflections on their progress. These periods help build strong study habits, independence, and personal accountability.
When time allows, students may also take part in lessons and activities connected to other curriculum areas.
Homework during the term is intentionally kept light, given the demanding schedule of the program. However, Pages do receive some assignments that must be submitted to the Page Coordinator or presented to the class. Because the days are busy and full, effective use of independent work periods is essential. Many past Pages have shared that there is very little time left in the evening to complete unfinished work before bed.
The program also works closely with each student’s school. Homeroom teachers and principals are notified when a student is selected, and math teachers are asked to provide assignments for the duration of the term. Time away from school is recorded as an approved “G” day, ensuring students are not penalized for their absence.
This balance of parliamentary learning and academic continuity makes the Page Program a truly unique educational experience.
Meeting Ontario’s Leaders - Meeting your MPP
One of the most memorable parts of serving as a Legislative Page is the opportunity to interact directly with Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) while working in the Legislative Chamber.
Throughout the term, Pages have the unique privilege of observing MPPs in action during debates and proceedings, while also supporting them through their responsibilities on the Chamber floor.
The Page Program also notifies the MPPs whose ridings are represented by selected students. Whenever possible, the program coordinates a special lunch meeting with your local MPP in the Legislative Dining Room, depending on their availability.
This creates a wonderful opportunity for Pages to connect with elected leaders, ask questions, and gain firsthand insight into public service and leadership within Ontario’s government.
Educational Field Trips & Team Building
An important part of the Legislative Page experience includes one or more educational field trips during the term.
These outings are designed to help Pages become more familiar with the city of Toronto while also strengthening team-building and interpersonal skills. Beyond exploring the city, special activities are organized to deepen students’ understanding of the Legislative Building, Ontario’s parliamentary traditions, and the province’s system of government.
These experiences are an integral part of the Page Program and play an important role in both learning and personal development. Attendance is expected, as each activity contributes to the overall experience of serving as a Legislative Page.
Recognition & Academic Record
At the end of the Legislative Page term, each student receives formal recognition of their participation and achievements in the program.
Depending on the number of instructional hours completed and the length of the term of duty, Pages will receive either a formal report card or a letter of participation outlining the activities completed and the level of achievement attained throughout the program.
A copy of this report or letter is also sent to the student’s school principal for inclusion in their Ontario Student Record (OSR), making the experience a meaningful part of their academic journey.
Honorarium & Travel Support
The Legislative Page Program also provides financial support to help students participate fully in the experience.
Pages receive a daily honorarium of $15.00 from Monday to Friday, along with reimbursement for daily travel expenses incurred through public transit, such as the TTC or GO Transit, based on the most economical student fare.
For students who live more than 50 km from Toronto, the program also reimburses two round trips between their hometown and the Legislative Building — one for Orientation Day, and another covering the first and last days of their term of duty.
Travel expenses must be submitted in advance each Monday morning, and reimbursements, along with the weekly honorarium, are deposited directly into the bank account provided by the student.
This thoughtful support helps ensure that students from across Ontario can fully participate in this unique opportunity.
The Uniform: Dressing the Part
One of the most memorable parts of the Legislative Page experience is wearing the official uniform, which reflects the professionalism and tradition of the role.
From Monday to Thursday, Pages are required to wear a classic black-and-white formal uniform. The official Page uniform consists of a black three-piece suit, white dress shirt, black dress shoes, black socks, and a tie.
The program provides the suit and tie, while students are required to bring a few essential items of their own.
This includes solid white, long-sleeved dress shirts with a stiff collar — ideally at least three. Shirts must be plain white, with no patterns, stripes, or designs.
Pages must also wear solid black leather dress shoes that are low-heeled and comfortable enough for long days spent standing and walking throughout Queen’s Park. Since the days are busy and active, comfortable shoes are essential.
In addition, students are required to bring solid black calf- or knee-length socks and a plain black leather belt with a simple silver buckle.
Wearing the uniform adds to the sense of pride, discipline, and responsibility that comes with serving as a Legislative Page.
Ontario Legislative Page Program 2025
Ontario Legislative Page Program 2025
Thank you
Lyanah is grateful to her class teacher Mr. Ryan Silverman from Glenview Senior Public School for his mentorship and leadership coach for his guidance and support in helping shape young leaders like Lyanah.
If you are interested:
Page applications are accepted online twice yearly: April 15 to June 15 and September 15 to November 15. For additional information regarding the Legislative Page's involvement in this program, please contact the Legislative Page Program at pageprogram@ola.org
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