Pania Ghaneian may be a name to get familiar with if you keep track of politics, especially after the 13-year-old got a taste of Queen’s Park.
Ghaneian is a Grade 8 student at Codrington Public School with a love of politics and was one of hundreds of applicants to be selected as a legislative page for the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.
She tells BarrieToday her love of politics comes from listening to her dad talk to her all about them, “even if my mom thinks he shouldn’t talk to me so much about it.”
Ghaneian says it was a chance meeting with a local politician that got the ball rolling on the page program for her.
“A couple of years ago, my parents and I were at an event and saw MPP Andrea Khanjin. I went to talk to her because I really wanted to learn more about politics,” Ghanenian says. “At the time I was in Grade 6, but she told me about this program which I could apply for in grade 7 or 8, which I was excited about.”
After applying in January 2022, and giving them her sister’s number to call should she make it, Ghaneian heard back with an acceptance call.
“I gave them my sister’s number because I knew she’d check her phone more than me. I got home from school one day and she shoved the phone in my ear because they had called,” Ghaneian says. “I was kind of taken back because I just got in the door and wondered what was happening, but I was so happy.”
Ghaneian’s mother, Mojgan Ahmadi Nadooshan, tells BarrieToday it was news to the family that she had even applied.
“I didn’t even know she had applied to the program. She is a very independent person,” says Nadooshan. “It was a wonderful experience for her and even for us because we all got to go down and see.”
Each year, approximately 150 students from across the province are selected to participate in Ontario’s legislative page program. The unique educational program for Ontario students provides an opportunity to experience the provincial legislature in action and forge new lifelong friendships with peers from all over the province.
The program is designed for outgoing, high-achieving, community-involved students who have demonstrated responsibility and leadership.
Legislative pages meet key parliamentary and political figures, and learn first-hand about parliament and the legislative process.
To be eligible to become a legislative page, Ghaneian had to have a good academic record and submit an essay explaining why she would be a good candidate for the program.
For the spring term, beginning Feb. 22 for three weeks, 12 pages were picked out of more than 300 applicants.
Ghaneian says she and other pages got to not only witness legislature happen, but also meet several politicians and dignitaries. She also enjoyed the friendships she made.
“It was so amazing to be there and see how everything works politically. I expected it to be very hard with long days, but it was enjoyable,” Ghaneian says. “I also met the other page, and many of us have kept in touch.”
While the program can create opportunities for many young students, Ghaneian doesn’t think enough kids are aware of it and wants to get the world out.
“This is a program that can create many opportunities for students in the future, however, many passionate students are not aware of the program. An article will spread awareness about this program and hopefully encourage more outgoing students in Barrie-Innisfil to apply,” says Ghaneian.
“I hope to create more representation of Simcoe County in the page program, and want to inspire Barrie students to consider this opportunity.”
New Brunswick voters have elected a Liberal majority government, tossing out the incumbent Progressive Conservatives after six years in power and handing the reins to the first woman ever to lead the province. Liberal Leader Susan Holt spent much of the campaign rolling out proposed fixes for a health-care system racked by a doctor shortage, overcrowded emergency rooms and long wait-times. She promised to open 30 community health clinics across the province by 2028. (Oct. 22, 2024)
Susan Holt has made history in New Brunswick by becoming the first woman to serve as the leader of the province’s Liberal Party, a significant milestone in the province’s political landscape. Holt’s leadership victory signals a new era of representation, gender equality, and change in the region, which has long been dominated by male politicians.
Holt’s journey to the top has been one of perseverance and dedication. Before entering politics, she built a distinguished career in the private sector, where she held numerous leadership positions. Her experience in business development and public policy has equipped her with the skills needed to navigate the complex world of politics.
In a province where women have historically been underrepresented in politics, Holt’s election represents a watershed moment. Women’s involvement in leadership roles has been steadily increasing nationwide, but New Brunswick, like many parts of Canada, has seen slower progress in achieving gender parity. Holt’s rise to the top of the Liberal Party not only shatters a glass ceiling but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of women aiming for political leadership.
As the leader of the New Brunswick Liberal Party, Holt has laid out a vision of inclusivity and progress. Her policies focus on economic development, healthcare reform, environmental sustainability, and addressing social issues that have plagued the province. She has also emphasized the importance of transparent governance and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities, making her platform both modern and forward-thinking.
Holt’s leadership arrives at a time when many voters are calling for change, especially in the face of challenges like economic uncertainty and the need for healthcare improvements. She aims to bring fresh ideas to tackle these issues while ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their background, have a voice in government decisions.
Susan Holt joins the ranks of other trailblazing women across Canada who have led provincial parties and governments. Women like former Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Ontario’s Kathleen Wynne have paved the way, and now Holt is contributing to this growing legacy of female political leadership in Canada.
Her achievement highlights not only the growing number of women entering politics but also the demand for leaders who can bring diverse perspectives to the table. In a field often dominated by entrenched traditions, Holt’s election is a step toward a more inclusive and representative political landscape in New Brunswick.
Holt’s leadership signals a broader shift in Canadian politics, where more women and diverse voices are gaining prominence. For young women across the country, her rise serves as a powerful reminder that leadership roles are within reach, even in traditionally male-dominated spheres.
With her election, Susan Holt has proven that perseverance, skill, and a vision for change can break even the toughest barriers. Her leadership will not only reshape New Brunswick’s political future but also inspire others across Canada to pursue leadership positions and continue to challenge the status quo.
NDP Leader Carla Beck has two planned campaign events today, starting the day with an availability in Moose Jaw and then later this evening attending an event in the capital with the Regina Medical Staff Association.
Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe, meanwhile, will speak in Prince Albert at the start of Voting Week in the province.
Saskatchewan residents can vote for five days starting today in the lead-up to next week’s provincial election, although polls won’t be open Sunday.
The NDP and the Saskatchewan Party are urging voters to cast their ballots early.
Voters can find their polling stations on their information cards or by visiting the Elections Saskatchewan website.
Chief electoral officer Michael Boda says there are about 810,000 registered voters in Saskatchewan.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2024.
