Eric Rennie, manager of Protocol Services at Ontario’s Legislative Assembly, has been recognized with the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his nonpartisan contributions to provincial governance. The Portage la Prairie native, who grew up attending Prince Charles School and PCI, now oversees public events and educational programs at Queen’s Park.
From Portage classrooms to Queen’s Park
Rennie moved to Ottawa in 2006 to study political science and begin his career as a House of Commons page. His 14-year tenure at Ontario’s legislature includes managing the Legislative Page Program for students and coordinating events involving the Lieutenant Governor’s office.
“I’ve always been in the neutral, nonpartisan realm of government,” Rennie says. “I get to meet a lot of interesting people [and] work with the public every day.”
The Coronation Medal, awarded in February, recognized his service to the Legislative Assembly and Lieutenant Governor’s office. Rennie called the honour “a tremendous surprise” and praised colleagues who nominated him.
Bridging prairie roots and provincial politics
Though based in Toronto since 2020, Rennie maintains strong ties to Manitoba. He reads Portage Online daily and visits family in Portage la Prairie twice yearly.
“I miss Portage a lot and the prairies in general,” he adds. “It’s nice to visit, that’s for sure.”
Rennie’s team recently supported the legislature’s post-election return, including February’s throne speech. While U.S.-Canada relations dominate current debates, he emphasizes the nonpartisan nature of his role organizing ceremonies and visiting delegations.