Former Student Trustee Serves as Parliamentary Page in Ottawa

Grad Experiences Democratic System Firsthand as Parliamentary Page in Ottawa

Amira Zamanifar is a at the and a student majoring in Biomedical Science. She is a graduate of the Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ (Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½) and was a Student Trustee during the 2023-24 school year. Below, Amira shares what it is like being a parliamentary page and why she enjoys participating in the political process.Ìý

  1. What does a parliamentary page do?Ìý

    As a parliamentary page, I assist Parliament in many ways, focusing on supporting all Members of Parliament, the Speaker of the House, and clerks. My responsibilities include tasks such as delivering messages to the secretariat, marching in the Speaker’s parade, and distributing essential documents for chamber operations.

    Pages also ensure that members have everything they need during debates, from water to speaking notes. As one of the few individuals allowed on the House floor during sittings, I help bridge the gap between the work happening inside and outside the chamber. It’s a non-partisan role, and being part of this historic and dynamic environment is a privilege.

  2. How did you get selected for this program?Ìý

    The selection process for the Page Program was rigorous and involved multiple stages, including a resume submission, take-home questionnaire, language assessment, interview, reference checks, and security screening.

    My experiences as a Student Trustee and in other leadership roles within Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ were invaluable. They taught me essential skills like effective communication, balancing responsibilities, and working collaboratively. The opportunities I had to lead, serve, and represent others in the Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ community gave me a strong foundation to approach this role confidently.

  3. What sort of training did you receive before starting your work as a parliamentary page?Ìý

    In late August, all pages gathered in Ottawa for an intensive training program before the academic year began. The training sessions focused on familiarizing us with our new work environment, parliamentary procedures, and the day-to-day responsibilities of the role. Beyond the practical aspects, this time allowed us to bond as a team, creating a supportive and close-knit group.Ìý

  4. Why do you enjoy being involved with the work on Parliament Hill?Ìý

    Working on Parliament Hill has been an eye-opening experience. It’s fascinating to witness Canada’s federal government in action and learn about the democratic process firsthand. Beyond that, meeting and building relationships with people from all across the country has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve always valued hearing diverse perspectives and learning from others’ experiences, something I first cultivated in the community-oriented environment at the Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½. This role has deepened my appreciation for the connections that bring people together.

  5. You must be very busy between being a parliamentary page and a university student. How do you stay on top of everything?

    Balancing university and my duties as a page is challenging but manageable with good time management. I rely on detailed schedules and prioritize tasks, completing assignments as early as possible to stay ahead.

    My experiences at and the Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½, where I balanced extracurricular activities and academics, prepared me well for this role. The emphasis on discipline, time management, and the value of hard work has stayed with me. Additionally, our program supervisors understand our dual commitments and encourage open communication, which makes balancing both roles much easier.

  6. As an impressive young graduate of the Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½, what advice do you have for current Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ students?Ìý

    It’s humbling to be considered an impressive graduate of Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½. My advice to current students is to set ambitious goals, even if they seem difficult to achieve, and pursue what genuinely moves you.

    When I first learned about the Page Program, it felt like a distant dream. But by engaging in activities I was passionate about and contributing to my school community, I gained the confidence and skills to turn that dream into reality. The opportunities the Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ provided, along with the support of my family, played a huge role in preparing me for this journey.

    Now, as I live out one of my dreams, I remain grounded in my faith and true to my values, and I encourage others in the Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ family to do the same. Embrace your unique path, and trust that with dedication and purpose, you’ll be able to achieve your goals.