THE SENATE IS CALLING
RISE TO THE OCCASION

Take part in the sixth annual Model Senate, to be held from Thursday, May 7 to Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Senate of Canada Building in Ottawa, Ontario.

Find out more

What is Model Senate?

Model Senate is a three-day event for post-secondary students who are curious about how Parliament functions and how senators do their important work. There is no need to be an expert on the Upper Chamber or on parliamentary procedure to take advantage of this unique opportunity!

Logo of Model Senate on a Red Chamber background.

A young woman and a young man, sitting in the Senate Chamber, proudly hold a copy of a bill.

As a participant, you will:

  • Gain a deeper understanding of how senators serve Canadians and put your own skills to the test by debating issues on the floor of the Red Chamber or in a Senate committee room.
  • Get face time with senators, their staff, members of the Senate Administration and fellow participants through meet-and-greets and networking opportunities.
  • Collaborate with your peers in an inspiring setting, receive career advice and learn how you can help strengthen Canada’s democratic institutions for many generations to come.

The time commitment

To be selected as a participant, you must be available — in person, in Ottawa — for all scheduled Model Senate activities on:

  • Thursday, May 7, 2026 (from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET)
  • Friday, May 8, 2026 (from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET)
  • Saturday, May 9, 2026 (from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET)

To participate, you’ll need to complete a 90-minute, online learning module and attend a mandatory virtual information session ahead of the event. Depending on your assigned role, you may have to draft and submit speaking notes and attend an additional training session in the weeks leading up to the event. You also need to dedicate time to read emails and stay up to date on event information!

Key dates and schedule of activities

  1. September 2025: Applications open

    To apply, you must:

    • Be enrolled in a recognized Canadian university or college at the time of the event.
    • Be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of the event.
    • Complete and submit the online application form and required documentation (CV, statement of intent, letter of support and proof of enrolment) by Monday, December 8, 2025.

  2. Monday, December 8, 2025: Applications close

    Applications will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, December 8, 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.

  3. January 2026: Selection and confirmation of participation

    • Selected participants will be notified by email by January 31, 2026.
    • You will need to confirm your participation within seven days, at which point you’ll learn what role(s) have been assigned to you.
    • A waitlist will be created for those not accepted in the first round.

  4. March 2026: Training and information sessions

    • Before Model Senate, you will have to complete an online learning module designed to help you understand the basics about the Senate. The module should take approximately 90 minutes to complete.
    • You will also be invited to a mandatory virtual information session, where Senate staff can answer your questions about the event and the content covered in the module.
    • Depending on your role, you may be asked to submit speaking notes or participate in an additional training session.

  5. Thursday, May 7, 2026: Senate Social

    • Model Senate will kick off with the Senate Social, a networking event where participants can learn about and interact with the people who make up the Senate community — including sitting senators!

  6. Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, 2026: Senate sitting and committee meeting simulations

    • Participants will take their seats in the Red Chamber and in committee to simulate the Senate’s legislative process. A mock bill will be shared with participants ahead of the event.
    • Participants will be assigned specific roles that determine when they will rise to speak, whether during a Chamber sitting or a committee meeting. There will also be plenty of impromptu speaking opportunities during debates in the Chamber.
    • During the committee simulations, a sitting senator will testify as a witness during the study of a bill at committee stage. Select participants will ask questions to deepen their understanding of the topic before moving amendments and voting on the bill’s passage to third reading.
    • A light breakfast, lunch and refreshments will be provided to participants on both sitting days.
    • Please note: The Senate is not responsible for costs related to additional meals, transportation or accommodation for selected participants.

Ready to start your application?

APPLY NOW

Past editions

Full house as Model Senate turns five

Post-secondary students filled a record number of seats in the Senate Chamber — 104 to be exact! — during the fifth edition of Model Senate.

Model Senate 2024

The event’s fourth edition, held in Ottawa from March 21 to 23, 2024, featured the most extensive, in-person programming to date.

Model Senate 2023

For the first time, Model Senate supported participation virtually and in person at the Senate of Canada Building in Ottawa.

Testimonial

“Participating in Model Senate was an incredible experience that left a lasting impact on me. I discovered the opportunity through LinkedIn, and it marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in my career. Through the simulated Senate sittings, I significantly enhanced my communication, debating and public speaking skills, while also deepening my understanding of policies and legislative processes. Most importantly, the networking opportunities were invaluable. I highly encourage post-secondary students with an interest in governance and politics to apply for this program. It offers not only practical skills but also meaningful connections that can greatly support your professional journey.”

— Participant, Model Senate 2025

To contact SENgage, please email us at: SENgage@sen.parl.gc.ca