Susie Grynol of Devlin is getting a firsthand look at the workings of the federal government as she walks the halls of the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa as a page.
But she also had the opportunity to witness the outpouring of emotion Canadians openly expressed when news of Pierre Elliot Trudeau’s death hit Parliament Hill.
“It was an unforgettable moment in history,” she recalled.
In addition to being in Parliament when the news was announced, Grynol also found herself standing guard over the coffin of the late prime minister and carrying all the roses out to the eternal flame.
She also helped escort elderly and sick people to the coffin to pay their last respects.
“The lineup was six hours long at times,” said Grynol. “And some people just couldn’t manage it.”
Since becoming a page, Grynol also has had the chance to meet a number of dignitaries, including Speaker of the House Gilbert Parent.
Grynol, who’s now attending the University of Ottawa, received the application for the Page Program from her teacher, Marnie Cumming, while she was a student at Fort Frances High School.
In order to be accepted, applicants must be completely bilingual. Studying French since she was in junior kindergarten, Grynol had her first French-speaking interview last spring with a “very French” woman from Ottawa.
Unsure of how she had fared, Grynol was thrilled a month later when she received a phone call asking her to fly to Toronto for another interview at Queen’s Park.
Though the second interview was quite intimidating, Grynol said she was prepared and handled herself well. She believes her years of competing in gymnastic and trampoline events, as well as her performing in talent shows, gave her the edge she needed to be poised and confident.
“I just want to thank Mr. Mayhew, Mr. Morgan, and my Mom and Dad for briefing me on government subjects and procedures,” Grynol said. “They helped me a lot.”
When the call finally came in that she had been selected, Grynol was overwhelmed.
“I had mixed feelings,” she admitted. “I wasn’t sure what I was getting into. I heard good and bad things about the Page Program all summer so I was a little skeptical.”
But now that she’s been working as a page, Grynol has no doubts she made the right choice.
Through the program, Grynol has met 39 other pages from all across Canada. Two weeks prior to starting their duties, they all made their way to the University of Ottawa to train and get to know each other and their new surroundings.
Before she was allowed to enter the House Of Commons, Grynol first had to recognize and learn the names, ridings, and spellings of all 301 MPs.
“That wouldn’t be so bad,” she commented. “But now after the election, we will have to learn a whole new group.”
In addition to her work as a page, which involves spending 15 hours a week in the House of Commons, Grynol also is very busy with her studies. Though her first aspirations were to be a drama teacher, she’s now looking at other options.
Through her job as a page, Grynol has become very interested in politics and is currently considering a full-time position with the federal government after she graduates.
“Right now, we are busy stuffing envelopes and sending them out to all the high schools in Canada to recruit for next year,” she noted.
“I didn’t realize how many thousands apply,” she said. “That makes me feel more honoured to know I was chosen from so many.
“It’s a great program and I would recommend it to anyone.”
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
