Lindsay Thurber graduate Elena Bakker (Supplied)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Elena Bakker

Local high school graduate off to participate in prestigious political Page Program

Jul 27, 2022 | 4:54 PM

A graduate from Lindsay Thurber High School this June is one of 40 Canadian students who will be off to Ottawa this summer to participate in the House of Commons Page Program.

“I heard about the program through my principal Mr. Good and it sounded like something that would be up my alley,” said Elena Bakker. “It’s for students who are politically inclined and anybody who wants to know more about the parliamentary system. It was appealing to me and I was really interested in trying it out.”

Page duties include performing tasks directly related to the sittings of the House such as working with Members of Parliament in a non-partisan role; experiencing debates live in the Chamber; meeting with student groups in the Chamber; and participating in the Speaker’s parade, among other responsibilities.

The process to apply was lengthy, with Bakker first applying in October and being accepted in April. As part of the application process, she had to send in a cover letter, resume, and was tested on her second language abilities to ensure she could communicate confidently in both English and French.

“I’m really excited for the opportunity. You are guaranteed a year of work, and it opens the door for a lot of opportunities going forward,” said the Red Deer Public grad. “There are many Pages who have gone back to work on Parliament Hill for various people in various different sectors. It connects you with a lot of people.”

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While fulfilling work as a Page at one of Canada’s oldest political institutions, Bakker will also be entering her first year at the University of Ottawa for her Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

“I am not 100 per cent sure where my degree will take me, but I am using this first year to explore all opportunities and that is really exciting,” she said.

As for her upcoming role as a Page, Bakker says there is much to look forward to.

“I am most looking forward to meeting the other Pages,” she said. “They are from all across Canada, come from different backgrounds and have different perspectives. It will be really cool to meet all of these people who are there for the same reason.”