Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697724753026.pdf (Canada)
Educational Resources SETTING THE AGENDA The Work of a Senator What awaits people appointed to the Senate?

 In the Senate Chamber, Senators debate contemporary issues that can affect all Canadians.

Senators are required, according to the Canadian Constitution and the Rules of the Senate, to be in the Senate every sitting day.

Each Senator spends a minimum 8 hours a week in the Chamber.

When not in the Senate, Senators are busy with committees, meetings, or research work with office staff.
 On the international stage, Senators help promote the image of Canada and form links with other countries through parliamentary associations.

They meet with representatives from around the world to discuss issues such as health, trade, economics, security, culture, and human rights.

 At home, Senators frequently act as ombudsmen.

They help those seeking information on legislation or dealing with the federal government and its bureaucracy.
They highlight the needs of the regions and of minorities whose rights are often overlooked, such as children, veterans, the poor or the elderly, by offering a public forum through Senate committee investigations.

 All Senators and MPs belonging to the same political party go to weekly caucus meetings to discuss party policies and strategy.
Each Senator: is a member of one or more international parliamentary associations o often sits on two or more committees as well as sub-committees o o hears presentations by interest groups o receives invitations to both political party and public functions o grants media interviews o reads and responds to correspondence from the people he or she represents talks to students and other groups o meets with diplomats and foreign politicians o o reads books, studies and reports o meets with office staff who help with research o o has personal or family commitments travels between his or her home region and the national capital in Ottawa © 2014 Library of Parliament www.parl.gc.ca/education | Page 1 of 1