Students explore civic engagement during school visits from Legislative Assembly of Ontario officials

Feb. 12, 2026

Students at St. Paul Catholic Elementary School in Peterborough and St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Douro had a unique opportunity today to experience democracy in action during a special visit from the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

Representatives from the Assembly’s Education and Outreach team joined local MPP Dave Smith and the Honourable Donna Skelly, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, to deliver an engaging, non-partisan program for students in Grades 5–7.

The 90-minute session introduced students to the structure and function of Ontario’s Parliament, including the roles and responsibilities of Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs), the Speaker, and the importance of civic participation. Through interactive activities — including a mock debate — students explored how laws are made and why respectful dialogue and informed citizenship matter.

The program aligns closely with the Grade 5 Social Studies curriculum and provides students with a hands-on extension of their classroom learning.

Students also had the opportunity to hear directly from Speaker Skelly — the first woman to serve as Speaker in Ontario’s history — and MPP Smith about their work at Queen’s Park and the day-to-day responsibilities of elected officials. Students participated in a question and answer period with Speaker Skelly and MPP Smith.

The visit reinforced the importance of civic engagement and encouraged students to see themselves as active participants in their communities.