Pages attend to and assist with the proceedings of notable events such as royal assent, speech from the throne, and state visits.
[1] The Senate Page Program falls under the umbrella of responsibility of the Office of the Usher of the Black Rod.
The title "page" first started to appear in the Journals of Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada in 1841.
As the work of the Senate expanded and its sitting hours tended to interfere with school, the decision was made to select university students as pages.
She noted that the United States and the Ontario Legislature had already broken with tradition and hired female pages.
Today, the Senate Page Program is made up of 15 young men and women from all over Canada.
[2] A written examination and an interview will determine the candidates' competencies for the position of page (see "Rated Requirements" below).
As well, the Senate may give priority, once the selection process is completed, to a qualified candidate who has demonstrated a personal need for financial assistance to further his or her education.
[3] Basic requirements: To be eligible for the Page Program, candidates must: Rated requirements: An examination is designed to assess knowledge of the organization of the Senate and Canadian parliamentary procedures; knowledge of the standing operating procedures for a Senate page; and knowledge of current events An interview will assess the ability to communicate effectively and orally in the official language of his or her choice; and effective interpersonal relationships, judgment, initiative, and reliability Preparation for sittings: Prior to each Senate sitting, pages are responsible for numerous tasks.
Pages play an important role in ensuring the smooth proceedings of the operation and facilitation of Senate committees.
Pages greet witnesses and aid the clerk with document reproduction, distribution and management, and also attend to the needs of the Senators.
These may include provincial speakers conferences, Remembrance Day ceremonies, and the installation of a governor general.
While in Ottawa, they gain a greater awareness of federal politics and are privileged with the opportunity to visit the Senate.
While the pages work under the direction of the Usher of the Black Rod, they have the opportunity to coordinate the program and ensure its success.