The Senate is calling, rise to the occasion.

Be a part of the 2023 hybrid Model Senate on March 10 and 11, 2023.

Get schooled on the Senate, expand your network and feed your passion for public policy.

This event is designed for university and college students who are interested in learning how Parliament works and how senators do their important work. You do not need to be an expert on the Upper Chamber or on parliamentary procedure to participate in this unique opportunity!

Model Senate will teach you new skills through a variety of activities and presentations, and connect you with like-minded students from across the country as well as sitting senators who can’t wait to meet you!

As a model senator, you will:

Gain a deeper understanding of how senators serve Canadians and put your own skills to the test by debating issues live (or virtually) on the Senate floor or in a Senate committee room.
Get face time with senators, Senate Administration staff and fellow participants through meet-and-greets and networking opportunities.
Receive career advice and inspiration, and learn how you can help keep our democratic institutions strong for generations to come.

Interested?

APPLY NOW

The deadline to apply is January 15, 2023.

The time commitment

To be selected as a model senator, you must be available — in person or virtually — for all scheduled Model Senate activities on Friday, March 10, 2023 (from 12:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET) and Saturday, March 11, 2023 (from 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET). The schedule of activities accounts for participants joining from all Canadian time zones.

To participate, you must also complete a 90-minute, online learning module and attend a mandatory virtual information session in February. Depending on your assigned role, you will also have to draft and submit speaking notes in the weeks leading up to the main event.

Should you need to justify your absence to your professors or employer, the Senate can provide you with a letter confirming your participation in the event.

Key dates and schedule of activities

The schedule of activities below is tentative and subject to change. The schedule accounts for participants joining virtually from all Canadian time zones and in person at the Senate of Canada Building in Ottawa.

January 30 to February 8, 2023: Selection and confirmation of participation

February 13 to 23, 2023: Training and information sessions

March 10, 2023: Committee simulations and Senate Social

March 11, 2023: Senate sitting simulation

About the hybrid Model Senate

Model Senate 2023 will be offered in a hybrid format.

Participants from the National Capital Region will have the option to participate in person at the Senate of Canada Building in Ottawa. All other model senators will join the event virtually. The magic of videoconferencing will ensure the seamless integration of all participants!

Virtual participants are responsible for obtaining the equipment they will need for the event, such as:

Internet access
A computer or laptop with a video camera
A wired headset with an integrated, adjustable boom microphone

To ensure the health and safety of interpreters supporting the event, it is mandatory for all virtual participants to use a wired headset with an integrated, adjustable boom microphone. Specifications and affordable options will be shared well in advance of the event.

Please note that the Senate is not responsible for costs related to headsets, meals, transportation or accommodation for selected participants.

Conferences & Forums in Ottawa

Model Senate 2023

CIPS-CIPSS/CEPSI Graduate Student Conference