Page Program
Be at the Centre of the Democratic Process
The Page Program is more than a job. It’s an opportunity for high school students in Alberta to learn first-hand about the Legislative Assembly.
They gain work experience, career insights and valuable job skills such as communication, problem solving and leadership while supporting the Legislative Assembly when it is in session. Session typically runs February to June and October to December, during
which time Pages work at least three shifts per week Monday to Thursday.
Responsibilities of a Page
Pages work as part of a team with the Ceremonial and Security Services branch, led by the Sergeant-at-Arms.
Page Program Requirements
Applicants must be at least 15 years of age by September 1st of the application year and entering Grade 10, 11 or 12 as a full-time student.
They must demonstrate a strong and consistent academic standing in order to be considered for the Page Program.
- WORK EXPERIENCE AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Work experience and involvement with sports, music and community or volunteer activities are considered assets.
The Page Program requires a great deal of commitment. Students should consider how they will balance work demands with school and extracurricular activities prior to applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Page Program focuses on recruiting high school students. Applicants must be at least 15 years of age by September 1st of the application year and entering Grade 10, 11 or 12 as a full-time student. Pages with a good work record may be eligible to work in the program until the end of their first year of postsecondary studies.
Pages are paid $17 per hour.
Pages work as part of a team with the Ceremonial and Security Services branch, led by the Sergeant-at-Arms. A Page’s primary job is to distribute messages and documents within the Chamber and to offices within the Legislature Building for Members, officers and staff of the Legislative Assembly.
In addition to performing daily duties during sittings of the Legislative Assembly, Pages participate in ceremonies such as the Speech from the Throne and Budget Day. Pages also assist with public events held at the Legislature such as Family Day and
Canada Day and ceremonial events such as the Service of Remembrance and various cultural and commemorative ceremonies.
Pages take part in professional development seminars during session.
Session is a series of meetings of the Legislative Assembly held in the Chamber of the Legislature Building. Session typically takes place in spring (February to June) and fall (October to December) sittings.
Pages are scheduled for at least three shifts per week during session. Morning shifts are Tuesdays from 9:15 a.m. to noon and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:15 a.m. to noon. Afternoon shifts are Monday through Wednesday from 12:45 p.m. to 6 p.m. and
Thursdays from 12:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Evening shifts are 6:45 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. as required.
Possible Shifts
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday |
---|
Morning | N/A | 9:15 to noon | 8:15 to noon | 8:15 to noon |
Afternoon | 12:45 to 6 p.m. | 12:45 to 6 p.m. | 12:45 to 6 p.m. | 12:45 to 4:30 p.m. |
Evening | 6:45 to 10:15 p.m. | 6:45 to 10:15 p.m. | 6:45 to 10:15 p.m. | |
|
Pages must make arrangements with schools and teachers to keep studies and assignments up to date while missing classes. It is the Page’s responsibility to make up the school work that is missed. Students must include a letter of support from their
school as part of their application to the Page Program.
The Page Program offers a unique work opportunity. While gaining work experience, Pages get to be at the centre of the democratic process and learn first-hand how Alberta’s Legislature works and how laws are passed in the province.
Pages interact with a variety of people on a daily basis, including MLAs, officers and staff of the Legislative Assembly, and are expected to demonstrate professional and impartial behaviour in all interactions.
Development seminars offer opportunities to meet and learn from distinguished guest speakers.
The Page Program is more than just a job. Pages gain work experience, career insights and learn job skills such as communication, problem solving and leadership.
Pages are provided with uniforms. Uniforms must be returned when Pages leave the program.
Pages represent the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and must adhere to a high standard of dress and deportment at all times.
Pages are enthusiastic, respectful, discreet and able to work as part of a team, demonstrating strong interpersonal and communication skills.
The Page Program requires a great deal of commitment. Before applying, students must be sure that they are able to not only commit to the hours of work but also balance the scheduling demands with their school work and extracurricular activities.
Students applying to the Page Program must be reliable and demonstrate a strong and consistent academic standing. This does not mean that a Page needs to be at the top of the class, but marks and study habits need to be strong enough to allow for missed
time from school.
Work experience and involvement with sports, music and community or volunteer activities are considered assets in addition to strong academics.
Note that as employees of the Legislative Assembly Office Pages are expected to be apolitical and nonpartisan in all aspects of their duties.
While fluency in a second language may be considered an asset, Pages are not required to be bilingual.
It is helpful for students to have an interest in government, politics and parliamentary procedure when coming into the Page Program, but it is not required.
Pages receive education in these areas as it pertains to their job.
Information on the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary history in Alberta can be found in the Citizen’s Guide to the Alberta Legislature.
The Legislative Assembly office welcomes and encourages applications from students throughout Alberta. Students from outside of the Edmonton area will need to arrange for transportation and accommodation.
It may be possible for out-of-town students to arrange for a partnership between their school and a local school in Edmonton to provide for continuity in their studies. These arrangements are the responsibility of the Page; as such, it is important for all interested students to discuss the Page Program with their family and school prior to applying.
This letter should indicate that the parent/guardian supports the applicant’s participation in the Page Program. The letter should also comment on applicant’s general suitability for the role and acknowledge that the parent/guardian approves of the time commitment required by the Page Program and the impact that it may have on the applicant’s school schedule.
This letter should indicate that the school supports the applicant’s participation in the Page Program. The letter should also comment on the applicant’s overall suitability for the role, academic standing and ability to keep pace with academic work while balancing time away from school.
Prospective Applicants Are Asked To Provide
Copy of latest report card
Letter of support from parent/guardian
- Indicate parent/guardian support to participate in the Page Program
- Comment on the applicant’s suitability for the Page Program
- Acknowledge and approve the required time commitment away from school
Letter of support from school
- Indicate school support to participate in the Page Program
- Comment on the applicant’s suitability for the Page Program
- Comment on academic standing and the applicant’s ability to keep pace with academic work while balancing time away from school
Only candidates who meet the requirements and submit a complete application package will be eligible for an interview.
Human Resource Services
Mail: 4106, 9820 – 107th Street NW Edmonton, AB T5K 1E7
hr@assembly.ab.ca
Call: 780.427.1364
Fax: 780.427.6436