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Parliamentary Research Assistant - Office of the Honourable Senator Colin Deacon

Closing date: Sunday, October 26, 2025

 

 

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Job ID: 220218-67

Classification: PRA: $62,992 – $81,889

Job Type: Indeterminate Appointment (permanent, full-time)

Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Closing Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025

About the Senate

The Senate plays a unique role in shaping our country’s democracy. As members of the upper house of Parliament, senators examine legislation, study public policy, champion causes and conduct interparliamentary diplomacy.

As a workplace, the Senate is composed of dynamic people representing our nation’s diverse talents, backgrounds and perspectives. We are committed to building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is provided full and equal opportunity and access to employment, development and advancement. Build and advance your career by joining a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to excellence in support of senators and the institution.

How will you contribute?

Join Senator Colin Deacon, Senator for Nova Scotia and member of the Canadian Senators Group, in shaping forward-looking national policy at the intersection of innovation, technology, competition, procurement, and regulatory modernization. Drawing on his experience as a successful technology entrepreneur, Senator Deacon is committed to leveraging the digital economy to foster a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future for all Canadians.

This position offers the opportunity to support his impactful work through research, analysis, and strategic communication. You will contribute directly to shaping his positions on legislation and policy, engaging with stakeholders, and supporting office administration.

The incumbent is primarily responsible for conducting research, collecting data, analyzing findings, and preparing summaries or reports that are of interest to the Senator or for committee business. Key responsibilities include:

  • Conducting research on legislation, jurisprudence, and policy proposals to evaluate their implications and identify critical issues;
  • Preparing reports, background notes, and briefings to support the Senator’s work in the Chamber, committees, and public forums;
  • Monitoring and reviewing media coverage and other sources, preparing background information, and assisting with media inquiries by providing accurate, evidence-based information;
  • Drafting speeches, presentations, and correspondence that reflect the Senator’s priorities;
  • Representing the Senator at committee meetings and other events, reporting back on developments of importance;
  • Managing administrative tasks to ensure efficient operations within a collaborative, horizontally structured office environment. 

This role is suited for someone passionate about technology, business, procurement and regulatory policy, and for someone eager to help shape Canada’s future through thoughtful analysis, persuasive communication, and a commitment to public service. 

Open to

The general public, to staff one (1) indeterminate full-time position in the Office of the Honourable Senator Colin Deacon.

Please note that “indeterminate” refers to an employment contract with no specified end date.

The Senate of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve, starting with an inclusive and barrier-free hiring process. You can request to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply. 

Prerequisites

  • Post-secondary education in business administration or a related field or a combination of education, and related work experience;
  • Strong research and analytical skills to interpret complex information and prepare clear, concise, evidence-based briefing notes and reports; 
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and accurately;
  • Proficiency with MS Office and experience using digital tools for research, communication, and information management;
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, work independently, and adapt to shifting deadlines and legislative timelines; 
  • Familiarity with parliamentary procedures, committee work, and the legislative process; prior experience in a legislative environment is considered an asset;
  • Experience with social media content creation and monitoring to support public engagement is considered an asset;
  • English is essential. Bilingualism (English and French) is considered an asset.

Competencies

Integrity
Respect
Service
Action Management
Adaptability
Communication
Dependability  
Judgment  
Teamwork and Cooperation

Organizational Needs

The Senate of Canada is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive workplace where all employees are provided full and equal access to employment, development, and advancement opportunities.

Conditions of Employment

Candidates must consent to supply personal information and obtain a security accreditation in order to be eligible for appointment.

How to apply

Please save a copy of the notice of job opportunity. Once the closing date has passed, these documents will no longer be available.

Relocation and travel expenses incurred during this process are the applicant's responsibility.

Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required. You must consent to receiving e-mails from our system in your online profile.

The Senate of Canada reserves the right to retain a determined number of candidates who best meet the essential requirements of the position.

The Senate of Canada is a separate and distinct employer from the federal public service and is not subject to the Public Service Employment Act.

We thank all those who apply to this selection process.

The posting closes at 11:59 p.m. EDT on the closing date stated above.