A young Senate page disrupted the opening of the new parliamentary session today, holding up a sign that read 'Stop Harper' in the middle of Governor-General David Johnston's Throne Speech.

Brigette Marcelle DePape, 21, was immediately ejected from the Senate Chambers.

The University of Ottawa graduate had prepared a statement explaining her actions.

"Harper's agenda is disastrous for this country and for my generation," she wrote. "We have to stop him from wasting billions on fighter jets, military bases, and corporate tax cuts while cutting social programs and destroying the climate. Most people in this country know what we need are green jobs, better medicare, and a healthy environment for future generations."

The Speech from the Throne opens each new session of Parliament and outlines the government's agenda. Globe and Mail reporter John Ibbitson described the tone of the speech as "Goldilocks conservatism," a sign that "Stephen Harper seeks to advance his agenda without alarming those who think that agenda is hidden and extreme."

There was no talk of hot-button issues like gay rights, abortion or capital punishment. The speech instead focused on budget and campaign promises on the economy, including cuts to corporate taxes and elimination of red tape and trade barriers. It spelled out an ambitious agenda to balance the books by 2014.

The CBC reports that DePape has been removed from her position in the page program. When The Tyee tried to reach DePape by phone, a woman who answered and identified herself as a friend said DePape was still being held by Senate security staff. The friend added that in the press release, she identified herself by only her first and middle names, Brigette Marcelle.

Colleen Kimmett reports for The Tyee.