The Senate Page Program
BECOME A PAGE
Upon selection
Work schedule
When the Senate and committees are sitting, pages work between 15 and 20 hours a week and may be required to work more hours during busy legislative periods. Typically, pages are required to work at least two sittings and one or two committees a week.
Pages are expected to arrange their class schedule to avoid conflict with the regular sittings of the Senate, which typically meets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, starting at 2 p.m. When the pages’ presence is required for significant events, such as the Opening of Parliament, the Usher of the Black Rod may excuse them from their classes. Pages should therefore be prepared to miss a university class or lecture when Senate responsibilities take priority.
Once the school year is completed, pages may work between 30 and 35 hours a week until the Senate adjourns for the summer.
Pages must work a minimum of 500 hours per year to receive full annual compensation.
Training
Pages begin their stay in Ottawa at the end of August for a two-week orientation and training program that introduces them to their job and responsibilities and to the Senate Administration. This training is mandatory and must be attended by all pages.
Salary
Pages earn an annual salary of approximately $18,000, paid in 26 equal instalments. Upon the successful completion of their contract, they receive an additional $1,200.
The deputy chief page earns approximately $29,000, while the chief page earns around $31,000. Both positions also receive an additional $1,200 upon satisfactory completion of their contract.
Transportation
The Senate will pay the cost of travel between the pages’ place of permanent residence and Ottawa, by the most economical means possible, at the beginning and at the end of their contract.
Accommodation
While in Ottawa, pages are responsible for the costs of their accommodation and for all other related expenses, including tuition fees, books and food. The Senate can make arrangements to reserve rooms in the university residence for pages upon request.
Uniform
A mandatory uniform is provided to each page at the beginning of the contract, and must be returned at its end.
Summer employment
Senate pages seeking summer employment within the Senate through the Student Employment Program will be considered if they meet the position requirements. They will receive additional remuneration on top of their salary as a page. However, if the Senate sits, their page duties will take priority.
Accreditation
Because Senate pages gain knowledge in a distinct working environment, the University of Ottawa offers participants in the Senate Page Program the academic credits equivalent to a fourth-year political science course. To receive the credits, the page must submit a written essay, on a specific topic of their choice, that demonstrates the knowledge they acquired throughout their contract. The Library of Parliament is available to support the pages in their research. The accreditation program is optional, and the credits are transferable to Carleton University.
Committees and activities
Pages have many opportunities to make a difference during their stay in the program. They are encouraged to demonstrate and develop their skills and abilities by organizing volunteer activities for the benefit of the community and participating in one or more of the page committees for outreach, promotion and yearbook creation.
Exchange with the House of Commons
Each year, the Senate pages have the opportunity to work in the House of Commons as a page for a period of time. This exchange allows pages to experience both chambers from a unique perspective, while performing their duties.