Parliamentary Counsel Jobs in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
About the role
HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTORATE
DIRECTION DES RESSOURCES HUMAINES
Senior Parliamentary Counsel
Selection Process Number: 12844028
Directorate: Office of the Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel
Classification: SLA 2B: $162,130 - $223,611
Job Type: Indeterminate Appointment (permanent, full-time)
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Closing Date: Monday, August 3, 2026
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?
As Senior Parliamentary Counsel, you will provide expert legal advice in a unique parliamentary environment where law, procedure, public policy intersect. Reporting directly to the Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel, you will support the Senate, its committees, senators and the Senate Administration on complex legal matters, including constitutional law, parliamentary law and legislative drafting.
Your work will have a direct impact on the institution by helping clients navigate sensitive, high-profile, and often complex legal issues with clarity, sound judgment and discretion. You will draft legal opinions and other legal documents, conduct complex legal research, interpret legislation and jurisprudence, and contribute to practical legal solutions that support the work of Canada’s Parliament. If this sounds like you, we look forward to reviewing your application!
Open to
Open to the general public to staff one (1) indeterminate (permanent) position in the Office of the Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel.
This selection process may be used to staff determinate or indeterminate positions at the same level with similar requirements.
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 are entitled to apply in the official language of your choice (English or French) and 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
Possess a Law degree from a recognized University; Be a member in good standing in a law society of one of the provinces or territories of Canada, or in the Chambre des notaires du Québec; Minimum of eight (8) years of recent* and specialized experience in legislative drafting or advisory services in at least two of the following subject areas: constitutional law, administrative law, parliamentary law, labour and employment law or other areas of public law; Knowledge of the role and mandate of the Senate of Canada; Knowledge of case law in at least two of the following subject areas: constitutional law, administrative law, parliamentary law, labour and employment law or other areas of public law; Ability to draft legal opinions and other legal documents, and provide expert legal advice; Ability to conduct complex legal research and interpret legislation; Ability to provide leadership and mentoring to more junior counsel. Recent is defined as within the last ten (10) years.
Linguistic Requirements
English Reading Comprehension: C
English Written Expression: C
English Oral Interaction: C
French Reading Comprehension: C
French Written Expression: C
French Oral Interaction: C
Competencies
Integrity
Respect
Service
Teamwork and cooperation
Action Management
Adaptability
Judgement
Communication
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 be willing and able to work irregular hours, mainly late in the evenings, when the Senate or Senate Committees sit.
Candidates must consent to supply personal information and obtain a security accreditation to be eligible for appointment.
Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
Please save a copy of the job poster as once the application deadline closes, the poster will no longer be available for reference.
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About Senate of Canada
The Senate is the Upper House in Canada’s bicameral parliamentary democracy. It unites a diverse group of accomplished Canadians in service of their country. Parliament’s 105 senators shape Canada’s future. Senators scrutinize legislation, suggest improvements and fix mistakes. When the Senate speaks, the House of Commons listens — a bill must pass the Senate before it can become law. Senators also propose their own bills and generate debate about issues of national importance in the collegial environment of the Senate Chamber, where ideas are debated on their merit.