Eve's Legislative Placement with PPPR

From September 22 to October 17, I had the privilege of completing my Assembly Placement at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario (LAO) with the Parliamentary Protocol and Public Relations (PPPR) Office. One of the Legislature’s most dynamic, multi-faceted branches, PPPR connects Ontarians with their parliament via various public-facing initiatives—from themed tours, educational sessions, and community outreach to diplomatic protocol, celebratory events, and flag-raising ceremonies.

Over four weeks, I immersed myself in the office’s three core pillars—Protocol, Education Services, and Communications—gaining a deeper appreciation for how PPPR has transformed Queen’s Park from a voice that speaks at Ontarians into a dialogue that converses with them. My work in event planning, visual strategy, and research offered me a rare glimpse into how the team has transformed the Legislature into a space for genuine public participation rather than passive observation.

I authored two briefings proposing recommendations to rejuvenate PPPR’s flagship ON Parliament Podcast and enhance the Legislature’s digital presence across Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter). The ON Parliament Podcast has already established itself as a trusted civic platform—one that informs, entertains, and humanizes Ontario’s Legislature. Building on this success, I contributed creative concepts for pilot episodes and a comprehensive roadmap for the podcast’s next iteration. My second briefing evaluated the Legislative Assembly of Ontario’s (LAO) social media strategy, identifying opportunities to bolster its online presence to be more accessible, data-driven, and audience-responsive. In addition to written analysis, I designed several visual concepts for optimizing social media content and compiled a detailed archive of LAO’s posts across all platforms to support future strategic planning. I shadowed agenda-setting discussions for upcoming events extending through 2026 and gained a deeper understanding of parliamentary associations, as well as PPPR’s collaboration with accredited media, through meetings with exceptional officers and directors.

Beyond my work at Queen’s Park, I travelled to Stayner, Ontario, to assist Information Education Officers Yelena and Kornelia in delivering a presentation at Stayner Collegiate Institute to 70 Grade 10 students as part of their civics and careers curriculum. The session introduced students to their riding, Simcoe–Grey, and their Member of Provincial Parliament, Brian Saunderson (Progressive Conservative Party), a former Olympic rower. It also explored the structure and functions of the Legislature, including distinctions between government and parliament. Students concluded the session by participating in an election simulation, gaining a deeper appreciation for civic responsibility and the importance of voter turnout in ensuring that youth priorities remain part of the democratic agenda.

Another highlight was attending a series of flag-raising ceremonies celebrating Ontario’s vibrant diaspora communities and their cultural heritage. A particularly memorable moment was the Gaecheonjeol (National Foundation Day) ceremony with members of the Korean–Canadian community, MPPs, and dignitaries from the Republic of Korea. Witnessing such a heartfelt celebration of history, identity, and multilateralism at Queen’s Park was deeply moving and a poignant reminder of the enduring value of cultural exchange and mutual respect.

What most distinguished my placement experience was PPPR’s disciplined, self-driven ethos. The team’s relentless dedication to broadening public engagement—through new events, initiatives, and outreach—is truly inspiring. By connecting everyone with the legislature, from parliamentary associations to families and newcomers alike, PPPR transforms the vision “democracy should not be spectator sport” into reality.

From day one, I was welcomed with warmth and professionalism by a team deeply committed to keeping Ontario’s Legislature open, accessible, and meaningful for all. I extend heartfelt thanks to Debi, Eric, Nina, Su, Rose, Anna, Ana, Stefania, Sarah, Nokomis, David, Erin R., Erin B., Jelena, Adil, Kornelia, Violeta, Mathew, Rita, Paula, Franco, Aisling, Patrick, Stella Marie, Chryssa, Ginelle, Caroline, Cecilia, Kelly, Steven, Gian, and Raphael for making me feel part of the PPPR family. Their passion for strengthening community ties and celebrating democratic institutions is truly inspiring. This placement was more than a professional experience—it deepened my appreciation for how meaningful communication turns public service into public connection.