FAQs

What is the duration of the contract?

The duration of the contract is for one year with the possibility of renewal for a second year.

What do pages actually do?

Beyond the responsibilities outlined in the "Duties" section of the website, pages perform tasks requested by the senators and officers of the Senate, during sittings of the Senate and committee meetings, such as making photocopies, contacting offices, retrieving resource material from the Library of Parliament, etc.

How will being selected as a page affect my class schedule?

All pages are full-time university students and must organize their class schedules at the beginning of the school year in order to be able to meet the needs of the Senate while not jeopardizing their studies. The Chief Page and Deputy Chief Page will assist those selected as pages in organizing their class schedules before the school year begins.

Pages are able to regularly attend all their classes, however, on rare occasions, they may be asked to forego a class when their presence is required for an important ceremony such as the Opening of Parliament.

Is the Senate Page Program restricted to those studying in a Political Science program?

No. You may be a student in any program offered by the universities in the capital region, as long as you are studying full-time towards your first undergraduate degree. Pages have commonly studied in various programs such as Political Science, Communications, History, Management, International Development, English, French, Canadian Studies, Philosophy, Health Sciences, Sciences, Civil Law, etc.

Are there any employment opportunities on Parliament Hill after my time as a page?

Many pages continue to work on Parliament Hill after their time in the Page Program. Former pages are often selected to work in senators' offices as assistants due to the knowledge they have gained through the program.

Former pages have also found employment in the Senate Administration as legislative clerks, committee clerks and principal clerks, as well as within the Senate Protective Service. Furthermore, the former Clerk of the Senate and of the Parliaments began his career as a Senate page.

When can I expect to learn the final results of the selection process?

You can expect to receive the final results of the selection process in May.

How can I prepare for the selection process?

All necessary documentation will be sent to you within the selection process.

I have not heard back from the universities in the National Capital Region, can I still continue the process?

Yes. You may continue the process, provided you are registered as a full-time student at one of the four universities in the National Capital Region by September.

When should I arrive in Ottawa to begin work if I am selected?

Pages are required to attend training during the last week of August.

Will I have an opportunity to take part in important events?

Pages may have an opportunity to witness the Throne Speech, participate in the Royal Assent, attend the Remembrance ceremony, attend the installation of a new Governor General, and take part in the Forum for Young Canadians and other outreach programs.