Model Senate called, and 88 post-secondary students rose to the occasion.

Representing colleges and universities across the country, this group of passionate students took charge of the Red Chamber and got a taste of what it’s like to work as a Canadian senator during the event’s 2023 edition, held on March 10 and 11.

For the first time, Model Senate supported participation virtually and in person at the Senate of Canada Building in Ottawa. Seventy-four students gathered in Canada’s capital for the occasion, while 14 participated online. Two students also shared the newly introduced role of Model Speaker of the Senate.

Model senators took their seats in the Red Chamber and rose to debate bills during Model Senate 2023.

Senator Yonah Martin kicks off the simulated Senate sitting on Saturday, March 11, 2023 with some words of encouragement for the 88 model senators — 14 of whom participated virtually.

Throughout the weekend, model senators sharpened their analytical, procedural and public-speaking skills — as well as their networking know-how, thanks to new opportunities to connect with Senate personnel. 

Ahead of the event, participants got a crash course in parliamentary procedure through training modules. They then put their newfound knowledge to the test during mock committee meetings and simulated sittings in the Senate Chamber, where they investigated important issues and debated and voted on legislation.

One group of model senators simulated a meeting of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, which studied the Cannabis Act in the context of a mandatory parliamentary review of the legislation. Committee members were tasked with examining the legal cannabis supply chain and providing recommendations for the federal Minister of Health to consider.

A second cohort of students simulated a meeting of the Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology.

Senator David M. Wells introduces himself to model senators before appearing as a witness during the simulated meeting of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

Committee members were asked to study the same legislation and provide recommendations, but with a focus on how criminal activity, the illicit market and young people have been affected by the legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada.

The Senate Social event on March 10 brought together participants and people from across the Senate community — including senators and senior officials of the Senate Administration — and introduced model senators to student employment opportunities and the Senate Page Program. Virtual participants had the opportunity to meet with Senate personnel online before the event to learn more about their work.

Many sitting senators shared their time, expertise and advice throughout Model Senate 2023, including at the networking event.

Model senators, real-life senators and Senate Administration staff mingle during the Senate Social on Friday, March 10, 2023. As part of the networking event, participants also learned about job opportunities at Canada’s Upper Chamber.

Senator and Speaker pro tempore Pierrette Ringuette participated in an opening ceremony in the Red Chamber on March 10 and delivered remarks on behalf of Speaker of the Senate George J. Furey.

“Respectful collaboration between senators doesn’t make the headlines or lead the evening newscast. It certainly doesn’t go viral on TikTok,” Senator Ringuette said.

“But it’s what paves the way to meaningful policy changes and solutions that improve Canada and Canadians’ quality of life.”

Senator Yonah Martin kicked off the Senate sitting on March 11, while Senator Marc Gold sat in the hot seat during the simulated question period. Senators David M. Wells and Stan Kutcher appeared as witnesses before the two committees, and Senator Michèle Audette wrapped up the event with closing remarks.

Here are some photos from Model Senate 2023.

Senator Stan Kutcher appears as a witness before the simulated Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology.

Model senator Emmett Mark chairs a simulated meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

Model senator Asli Isaaq chairs a simulated meeting of the Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology on Friday, March 10, 2023.

Model senator Jordan Ames-Sinclair speaks during a simulated meeting of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade on Friday, March 10, 2023. As part of Model Senate 2023, the committee studied the Cannabis Act and produced a report with recommendations.

Model senator Julian Menga speaks about the Cannabis Act during a simulated meeting of the Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology.

Interim Senate Clerk Gérald Lafrenière speaks about his work during the Senate Social in the foyer of the Senate of Canada Building.

Senator and Speaker pro tempore Pierrette Ringuette tips her hat to model senators in the Red Chamber before delivering an opening address for Model Senate 2023 on Friday, March 10, 2023.

Model senators Kevin Acquah and Elizabeth Jefferies-Joseph-Oyerinde shared the role of Senate Speaker during Model Senate 2023. 

Senator Marc Gold fields questions from model senators during the simulated question period in the Red Chamber.

Model senator Gelila Geremew rises in the Red Chamber to present her senator’s statement during the simulated sitting.

Model senators applaud as Senator Michèle Audette wraps up Model Senate 2023 with closing remarks. She commended them for seizing the opportunity to fill her shoes for a weekend.

Model senator Bernise Mutombo addresses her peers in the Red Chamber in the Senate of Canada Building on Saturday, March 11, 2023.