FAQs about the Page Program
Who is eligible?
Ontario students attending grade 7 or grade 8 with a minimum level 4 or 80 % academic average are eligible. Students in Grade 6 are not eligible, and their application will not be accepted.
Are there other requirements?
In addition to a strong academic record, applicants must demonstrate leadership, responsibility and involvement in a variety of extra-curricular activities, both in and outside of school. Students should also show an interest in current affairs and get along well with both their peers and adults.
When are the deadlines for applying?
June 15th (Fall Session); November 15th (Spring Session of the following year).
When can I apply?
Applications are only accepted yearly during the following recruitment periods: May 1st to June 15th and September 15th to November 15th. *Please note: the next recruitment period has been postponed until further notice in response to Covid-19.
Is the process competitive?
Yes. The program receives hundreds of applications for each round of selections. There is limited space and Page positions are distributed between boys and girls who live throughout the 124 ridings represented in the Legislature. All applications go through an anonymous screening process to ensure fairness.
What if I live far away?
Where you live does not affect your eligibility. We encourage all Ontario students to apply, even if your riding is far from Toronto. We help defray some of the costs associated with travelling to and from your home town and Queen's Park. The Page Program is a non-residential program. It is up to the Page to find housing within commuting distance of Toronto for the duration of their term of duty. Most applicants are able to secure accommodation with extended family, friends or through other Pages in their group.
How long will I serve as a Page?
A typical term of duty lasts between 2 and 4 weeks, which may be shortened or lengthened if there are changes to the Parliamentary Calendar. Pages work in the Legislative Chamber from Monday to Thursday and on Fridays there are special activities!
What is a typical day like as a Page?
A typical day starts at 8:00 am and ends at 6:00 pm. Upon arriving to the Page Quarters pages must get ready in their uniform, and proceed to the classroom for briefing at 8:15 am. Depending on the day, at 9:00 am pages will proceed to the Chamber for their Chamber duties and special posts. The rest of the day, Pages will be in class, the House or participating in a special meeting or activity. Pages will be dismissed at 4:30 pm on alternate days, and at 2:30 pm on Fridays.
What is the application process?
Applicants start the online application process by registering, creating a profile and completing the application form (including an essay). After submitting an application, applicants can sign in to the Page Portal to check the status of their application. Finally, the homeroom teacher and the principal will receive an email with a link to an online form that requires them to confirm the application. Read the eligibility requirements and the application process carefully.
How do I apply?
You can apply online on this web site, go to the Page Portal and follow the steps. (*Note the applications are only active during the recruitment periods.)
What email should I use to apply?
Applicants must use their own individual personal email to register and start the application process. We recommend a Google (gmail) email address or a Microsoft Outlook address. Make sure not to use a parent/guardian email or a school email that has been provided by your school. Other emails such as hotmail may be blocked and we may not receive your application.
What browser should I use to apply?
For the best user experience, we recommend using the most up-to-date versions of the following browsers: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Mozilla Firefox.
Can I use my social media account to register?
If you prefer to use a social media account to register, the system will allow you, as long as you used a personal email for your social media account. If not, you will not be able to use your social media account.
If I am selected as a Page, can I still participate in extra-curricular activities during my term?
Yes, as long as your activities do not interfere with your responsibilities or duties as a Legislative Page. We expect a commitment to the program from Monday to Friday. In the past, Pages have missed class trips, sporting matches and tournaments, performances, music lessons etc.
Do Pages get paid?
Pages receive a $15.00 per day honorarium.
Are there any travel reimbursements?
Yes. Pages are reimbursed for their daily travel expenses on public transit from Monday to Friday, only during their term of duty. Pages who live farther than 50 km from Toronto will also be reimbursed for two round trips from their permanent Ontario residence to the Legislative Building.
Where can I get more information?
For more information please contact the Legislative Page Program at 416-325-7457 or by e-mail: pageprogram@ola.org.