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 so it does not conflict with the regular sittings of the Senate. (Regular sitting days are Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.) Pages must also be prepared to forego a university class when it conflicts with Senate duties.
Once the school year is completed, pages may work between 30 and 35 hours a week until the adjournment of the Senate.
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 an orientation and training program that introduces them to their job and responsibilities. At that time, they have an opportunity to meet the key people in the parliamentary staff. This training is mandatory and must be attended by all pages.
Salary
Pages are remunerated $16 ,085 divided in 26 equal instalments. Upon satisfactory completion of their contract, they receive an additional amount of $1,200. The Deputy Chief Page is remunerated $25, 613; the Chief Page is remunerated $27, 696. Upon satisfactory completion of their contract, both receive an additional amount of $1,200.
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, food, etc. The Senate can make arrangements to reserve rooms in the university residence for pages upon request.
Uniform
A 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 are given consideration if they meet the position requirements. They are remunerated in addition to their salary as a page. Page duties, however, take precedence if the Senate sits.
Accreditation
Because Senate pages gain knowledge in a distinct working environment, the University of Ottawa offers participants in the Senate Page Program the credits equivalent to a fourth year political science course. The page must demonstrate the knowledge acquired throughout the year in a written essay on a specific topic of the page’s own choosing. The Library of Parliament is available to the pages to assist them with their research. The accreditation program is optional for pages, 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 the duties of a page.