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Page Program Adds Fuel to Political Fire for Youth- the Belleville Intelligencer

Joshua Chicoine, a Grade 8 student at Holy Rosary Catholic School in Belleville is currently serving as a page at the Ontario Legislative Assembly at Queen's Park in Ontario. 

Joshua developed a true passion for politics when he was in Mrs. McCourt's grade 5 classroom during the last federal election.   Mrs.McCourt (Our Lady of Fatima) introduced his class to Student Vote and the electoral process.  Joshua was instantly hooked!  He researched all of the different political parties in class and on his free time. He asked all kinds of questions. 

Last October, for Joshua's birthday,  his grandmother arranged a visit to Ottawa for a tour and lunch with Belleville's former Mayor and current MP Neil Ellis.  He was invited back again this year for lunch and to shadow Mr. Ellis through his day at Parliament.  

Joshua met Prime Minister Justin Trudeau when he was on his campaign trail in 2015 and talked to former Premier Kathleen Wynn this past summer when she was on her campaign trail.  He has questioned our current Mayor Taso Christopher.  Josh was selected by Mrs. Ackerman,  to discuss student vote at Holy Rosary on the Mix 97.1 Morning Show with Sean and Orleana this past spring.      

 Now, Joshua is beginning a new opportunity at Queen's Park. During this term of duty, Joshua will serve as a messenger on the floor of the Legislative Chamber, meeting key parliamentary figures and learn about Ontario's parliamentary system of government. 

Joshua earned his spot in the program after submitting an application that included an essay outlining his achievements, involvements and suitability for the program. Joshua had to study and learn the faces, names and locations of the 126 MPP's before arriving at Queen's Park on his first day. 

Good luck Joshua!