Anna Hatch, a Grade 8 student at Errol Village Public School, returned home to Sarnia-Lambton just in time for the holidays after completing a prestigious four-week term as a Legislative Page at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in Toronto. During her time at Queen’s Park, Hatch served as a messenger on the floor of the […]
Anna Hatch, a Grade 8 student at Errol Village Public School, returned home to Sarnia-Lambton just in time for the holidays after completing a prestigious four-week term as a Legislative Page at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in Toronto.
During her time at Queen’s Park, Hatch served as a messenger on the floor of the Legislative Chamber. Her daily responsibilities included supporting Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) during proceedings by delivering messages and water, assisting with chamber operations, and preparing the floor for daily debates.
Securing a spot in the program is a highly competitive process. Hatch earned her place by submitting an essay that highlighted her academic achievements and community involvement. Before leaving for Toronto, she spent hours studying the names, faces, and seating locations of all 124 Ontario MPPs to ensure she could navigate the chamber floor without error.
A typical day for Hatch began at 8:00 a.m., when pages arrived at the assembly to dress in their traditional uniforms. Throughout her term, she had the opportunity to act as Page Captain twice, leading her peers through the day’s legislative duties.
Beyond their duties in the chamber, the pages participated in structured learning led by Legislative Page Coordinator Francisco Gutierrez. These sessions focused on the nuances of Ontario’s parliamentary system and the legislative process.
Hatch also met with several high-profile parliamentary figures during her term, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford and various party leaders. Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey hosted a lunch for Hatch and her parents, Doug and Karen Hatch, during one of their visits to the capital.
While the work was formal, the experience allowed for significant personal growth and connection. Hatch noted that a highlight of the program was the relationships she built with other students who shared similar interests in governance and civic responsibility.
Outside of their official duties, the pages visited local landmarks like the Ripley’s Aquarium, Little Canada, and the Royal Ontario Museum. They also spent their downtime in the Page Quarters, often building friendships over games of ping-pong.
Hatch expressed gratitude to her family, friends, teachers, and principal for their support during her stay in Toronto. She returns to Errol Village with a firsthand understanding of how provincial systems operate and the importance of active participation in democracy.
