A year in Ottawa

By David Skelhon Special to the Vernon Daily Courier http://www.dailycourier.ca/
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For one young Vernon woman, the democratic process is very much alive andwell. Allison Jaquish is just coming to the end of an exciting year spent observing the inner workings of the federal government.Jaquish said that her job as a page in the House of Commons gave her the opportunity to see what goes on, on a daily basis."The experience was nothing like I thought it would be - it was much more," said an enthusiastic Jaquish."It's interesting to see how the Parliamentary process works . . . it's neat to be an observer . . . and it's really important to understand the decisions that are made.""I've caught the political bug - once you're there you're hooked," she added.Jaquish said she worked five shifts per week, and the tasks ranged from preparing the day's paperwork for members of Parliament to putting out earpieces.Besides her work as a page, Jaquish is a full time University of Ottawa student studying political science and business administration.Jaquish said that the election had made it an exciting and very busy year.Asked what she felt about politicians, Jaquish said "they work very hardand really do care about our country," but she admitted, "There needs to be more light shed on the positive side."Question Period was the most exciting time she said, especially as she could hear the heckling and background comments which the microphones didn't always catch.Jaquish, who graduated from W. L. Seaton Secondary School, said she had a lot of help securing the job from teachers, guidance counsellors, friends and family."Close family and friends have taken an interest and that means a lot to me," she said.Asked about her political colours she replied, "I have strong political views but I have to be neutral in this job."Her term as a page ends next month and in the near future she would liketo find some other work in Parliament, perhaps as a volunteer. She said you have to be bilingual to work there but there are many working opportunities for youth.Beyond that, she said she would enjoy being a politician at some point in her life and she has advice for young people interested in politics: "Get involved . . . it's up to us to carry through with the next phase ofhistory."