Recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers (2021) and National Capital Region's Top Employers (2021):
By Richard Yerema and Kristina Leung, Mediacorp Canada Inc. staff editors (Nov 12, 2020)
Here are some of the reasons why House of Commons Administration was selected as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers (2021) and National Capital Region's Top Employers (2021):
- With an impressively diverse workforce, the House of Commons Administration encourages ongoing training and development through a number of initiatives, including leadership development programs, language training (English and French), and in-house apprenticeships for its trade services department (to maintain the intricate wood and metalwork of Canada's Parliament buildings)
- The House of Commons Administration offers exceptional maternity and parental leave top-up payments for new mothers (up to 93 per cent of salary for up to 52 weeks), as well as parental leave top-up for new fathers and adoptive parents (to 93 per cent of salary for up to 37 weeks) -- additionally, employees have the option to extend their leave to an unpaid leave of absence and can take advantage of onsite child care when they are ready to return
- The House of Commons Administration helps employees plan for a secure retirement with retirement planning assistance and contributions to a defined benefit pension plan -- employees nearing retirement can also ease into life after work with phased-in work options

Employees discuss leadership culture at a Next Generation Network event, aimed at fostering professional growth within The House of Commons Administration
(Photo credit:
Bernard Thibodeau)
Employer Background
Industry | Legislative bodies |
Established in Canada | 1867 |
Major Canadian hiring locations | Ottawa ON |
Full-time employees in Canada | 1,924 |
Part-time employees in Canada | 493 |
Workforce engaged on a contract basis | 20.08% |
Average age of employees in Canada | 42.6 years |
Longest serving employee | 45.23 years |
COVID-19
Pandemic response | flexible work schedules and leave options for employees who require time (illness, family illness, child care), additional communications and COVID-19-related resources, webinars on wellness and mental health (topics include building resilience, strategies to managing stress, calming your mind in challenging times) |
Physical Workplace Rating: A+
Commuter amenities | free parking, electric vehicle charging stations, secure/sheltered bicycle parking, nearby bike sharing station |
Workplace features | unique head office is the iconic Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, the buildings are in the midst of a long-term renovation program, with employees also working at other satellite locations nearby, shuttle service available between Parliamentary Precinct buildings and parking areas, workplace features a trade services division (located outside of the downtown), sit-stand workstations, private phone booth, sleep pods, religious observance room |
Employee lounge amenities | comfortable seating, television |
Onsite cafeteria | healthy menus, special diet menus, take-home meals, (a total of 6 cafeterias and canteens are available to employees across the organization) |
Onsite fitness facility | for employees only, free membership, treadmills, stationary bikes, stairmasters, instructor-led classes (yoga, boot camp, pilates), elliptical trainers, rowing machines, weights, shower facilities |
Other nearby amenities | YMCA, Jack Purcell Recreation Centre, Confederation Park, Major's Hill Park, Gatineau Park, National Arts Centre, CF Rideau Centre, ByWard Market |
Work Atmosphere & Communications Rating: B+
Past social events | annual Open House hosted by the Clerk's management group, holiday reception hosted on Parliament Hill during working hours, breakfast reception hosted by the Speaker, workplace inclusion commemorative events, various potluck lunches across the organization throughout the year |
Cultural aspects | business-casual dress daily, dress-for-your-day policy, casual dress (e.g. jeans) daily, casual dress Fridays, music while working, employee sports teams |
Employee communications | intranet site, company newsletter, internal social media |
Financial Benefits & Compensation Rating: A
Financial benefits note | House of Commons Administration has multiple employee groups, financial benefits may vary by position |
Outside salary surveys | participates in outside salary surveys every 12 months |
Employee salary reviews | individual salaries are reviewed every 12 months |
Long-term savings | defined-benefit (DB) pension |
Long-term planning | retirement planning assistance, phased-in retirement work options, life & disability insurance |
Additional financial benefits | year-end bonuses for some employees |
Health & Family-Friendly Benefits Rating: A+
Health plan note | House of Commons Administration has multiple employee groups, health plans may vary by position |
Health plan premium | as part of the health plan, the employer pays up to 100% of the premiums |
Waiting period | there is no waiting period for coverage |
Family coverage option | yes |
Retiree coverage with no age limit | yes |
Dental coverage | routine, restorative, orthodontics |
Paid sick days | employees receive 15 days off each year |
Health plan includes | traditional coverage (e.g. prescription drugs), semi-private hospital room, physiotherapy, medical travel insurance, homecare, medical equipment and supplies, massage therapy, nutrition planning, podiatrist, osteopathy, chiropractor, alternative coverage (e.g. acupuncture, naturopathy) |
Mental health practitioner benefit | up to $2,000 each year |
Wellness initiatives | learn-at-lunch sessions on topics such as supporting the caregiver, establishing work-life balance, and healthy eating on the go, Wellness Centre (offers immediate access to nurse counsellors, lifestyle improvement programs, personal coaching and programs that promote physical and mental health), Wellness Month in February (events hosted every week, from blood pressure clinics to assertiveness training) |
Family-friendly benefits note | House of Commons Administration has multiple employee groups, family-friendly policies may vary by position |
Maternity top-up (mothers) | up to 93% of salary for 18 weeks |
Parental top-up (mothers) | up to 93% of salary for 37 weeks |
Parental top-up (fathers) | up to 93% of salary for 37 weeks |
Adoption top-up | up to 93% of salary for 37 weeks |
Additional family-friendly benefits | extended parental leave to unpaid leave, child care onsite |
Flexible work options | flexible work hours, 35-hour work week (with full pay), shortened work week (fewer hours with less pay), compressed work week, telecommuting, reduced summer hours |
Vacation & Personal Time-Off Rating: A
Vacation note | House of Commons Administration has multiple employee groups, vacation policies may vary by position |
Vacation allowance | new employees receive 4 weeks of paid vacation after their first year on the job |
Maximum vacation allowance | employees move to a maximum of 6 weeks of vacation over their career |
Previous experience | considers previous work experience when setting annual vacation for new employees |
Personal paid days off | employees can schedule 1 personal day off each year, as needed |
Unpaid leave maximum | 60 months |
Self-funded/deferred salary leave maximum | 12 months |
Employee Engagement & Performance Rating: B+
Employee performance reviews | employees receive individual performance reviews every 12 months |
Managers receive performance review training | yes |
360° feedback option | as part of the review process, performance feedback is also solicited from co-workers and other managers familiar with each employee's work |
Confidential employee feedback | employees can also provide confidential feedback on their manager's performance |
Exit interview | exit interview option is available for departing employees |
Performance recognition | online recognition platform, on-the-spot rewards, peer-to-peer recognition awards, long-service awards, tailored and unique rewards (e.g. travel) |
In-house survey period | in-house surveys are conducted every 48 months |
Outside survey period | outside consultant surveys are held every 48 months |
Training & Skills Development Rating: A
Career planning | in-house career planning services |
In-house training initiatives | apprenticeship/skilled trades programs, in-house training, online training, leadership training, subsidies for professional accreditation |
Related tuition subsidies | employer covers up to 100% of tuition per year |
Unrelated tuition subsidies | employer covers up to 100% of tuition per year for courses unrelated to current position |
Unique training & development programs | formal onboarding program for new employees (features dedicated website, Parliamentary tour, a special breakfast, and an "onboarding buddy" who welcomes them on their first day), Clerk's leadership program for senior managers, French and English-language training) |
Community Involvement Rating: B+
Scope of charitable involvement | local, national, international |
Employee charitable involvement | employees are involved in selection of charities |
Total employee volunteer hours (on company time) | over 937 hours last year |
Community highlight | The House of Commons Administration focuses its charitable efforts on poverty, communities and youth. Additionally, the organization participates in the annual Workplace Charitable Campaign, a fundraising campaign in support of United Way, Centraide Outaouais, HealthPartners and other registered Canadian charities. |
Recognized as one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People (2021):
By Kristina Leung, Stephanie Leung, and Jing Wang, Mediacorp Canada Inc. staff editors (Jan 18, 2021)
Here are some of the reasons why House of Commons Administration was selected as one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People (2021):
- Each year, House of Commons Administration selects 40 students from CEGEPs and high schools across Canada to participate in a dedicated Page Program -- students have the opportunity to witness the legislative process first-hand and work on a part-time basis during their first year of study at a university in the National Capital region
- Additionally, House of Commons Administration manages a year-round student employment program, offering positions to secondary and post-secondary students in a variety of disciplines
- House of Commons Administration maintains the Next Gen Network, a community of practice to provide employees with professional development opportunities outside of a formal classroom as well as act as an interactive forum for discussion and reflection -- the network is open to all employees and is focused on developing leadership skills and increasing engagement and connection

A student in the House of Commons Administration's dedicated Page Program
(Photo credit:
Bernard Thibodeau)
Highlights
Industry | Legislative bodies |
Major Canadian hiring locations | Ottawa ON |
Full-time employees in Canada | 1,924 |
Student opportunities | summer jobs, co-op opportunities |
In-house training programs | orientation program, in-house training, online training, in-house career planning services, leadership training, apprenticeship/skilled trades programs |
Related tuition subsidies | employer covers up to 100% of tuition per year |
Unique training and development opportunities | junior labour relations advisory pilot program (to further develop a junior human resources professional through training and practical work experience), 3-year Apprenticeship Program for Trades Services (consists of 24 units that correspond to an area of technical competency, also includes mentorship, problem-solving and creative thinking assignments), second-language training courses and workshops, assignment opportunities to facilitate knowledge transfer and career development |
Additional highlights | tailored half-day orientation for students (includes an overview of the organization, program and career paths, speed-meeting activity, and goals and objectives reflection activity) |
Dedicated employee resource group | Next Gen Network, student-led social club (events include a visit with the Dominion Carillonneur, guided tours of Parliament, and breakfast meet-ups) |
Vacation allowance | new employees receive 4 weeks of paid vacation after their first year on the job |
The Career Directory
House of Commons Administration has been selected for The Career Directory, our guide to entry-level recruitment for recent college and university graduates.

Brigitte Lemire (left) and Robyn Daigle (right), employees at The House of Commons Administration, collaborate in one of the head office's flexible work spaces
Highlights for New Grads
Industry | Legislative bodies |
Full-time employees in Canada | 1,001 to 2,500 |
Major Canadian hiring locations | Ottawa ON |
Student opportunities | summer jobs, co-op placements in business administration, commerce, computer engineering, computer science, interior design, and networking engineering, to name a few, co-op opportunities |
Training | subsidies for professional accreditation, orientation program, online training, in-house training, in-house career planning services, leadership training |
Tuition subsidies (related to job) | yes |
Starting salary | $60K to $65K |
Work benefits | health benefits for new employees, flexible work hours, telecommuting |
Vacation allowance | new employees receive 4 weeks of paid vacation after their first year on the job |
Academic fields recruited
-
Bachelor of Arts
- Architecture - Design/History
- Business
- Criminology
- Economics
- English
- French
- Human Resources
- Industrial Relations
- Journalism
- Museum Studies
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Public Relations / Communications
- Social Work
- Sociology
-
Bachelor of Commerce / Business Administration
- Accounting
- Finance
- Hotel / Food Services
- Human Resources
- Information Systems
- Marketing
- Public Administration
-
Bachelor of Education
- Adult
-
Bachelor of Engineering
- Architectural / Building / Construction
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical
- Microelectronics
- Telecommunications
-
Bachelor of Laws
- Corporate
- Labour
-
Bachelor of Science
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
-
Community College Diploma
- Accounting
- Advertising
- Architecture Technician
- Audio/Video Technician
- Autocad
- Business
- Carpentry
- Communications / Public Relations
- Computer Science
- Cooking / Chef Training
- Electronics Technician
- Engineering Technician
- Facility Management
- Financial Planning
- Graphic Arts / Design
- Hospitality
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Journalism
- Legal Assistant / Law Clerk
- Marketing / Sales
- Office Administration
- Other Trades
- Photography
- Purchasing / Logistics
- Travel and Tourism
-
Master of Business Administration
- Accounting
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Information Systems
- Public Administration
-
Professional Accreditation
- Accounting (CA)
- Accounting (CGA)
- Accounting (CMA)
- Cisco Certifications
- Financial Planning (CFP, FMA)
- Human Resources (CHRP, CEBS)
- Interior Design (NCIDQ)
- Logistics (CITT, CIFFA)
- Microsoft Certifications
- Novell Certifications
- Other Business / Technical/ Industry Certifications
- Professional Engineer
- Purchasing Management (PMAC, CPP)
- Quality Assurance (TQM)
- Travel Counsellor (CTC)
-
Secondary Education
- High School Diploma
Recruits at these schools
- Algonquin College
- Carleton University
- La Cité collégiale
- University of Ottawa