An interest in sporting pointy hats isn’t necessary, but likely an asset for anyone looking to become the next Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Commons.
The position was vacated when Kevin Vickers, who famously shot Michael Zehaf Bibeau during the Parliament Hill shootings, stepped down in January and became the Canadian ambassador to Ireland. Now, the House of Commons is ready to replace him.
Vickers quickly rose to hero status following the Oct. 22 shooting, leaving big shoes to fill in the hearts and minds of many Canadians. Even without that, though, the list of qualities and experience sought for this job are extensive, according to the job posting.
The Sergeant-at-Arms is responsible for maintaining the peace and order in the House of Commons. But it doesn’t stop there; the shootout with Zehaf Bibeau, for example, took place outside the chamber and many will remember Vickers hauling 21-year-old Brigitte DePape, then a Senate page, from the upper chamber when she interrupted the 2011 speech from the throne by holding up a “Stop Harper” sign.
To fill the position, the House of Commons is looking for someone who:
- Graduated from a recognized university or otherwise has an equivalent mix of education, training and job experience
- Is well-acquainted with the history, culture and legalities of Parliament
- Has a long history of security-related work experience, protecting life and property
- Has worked in a parliamentary or legislative environment and has a history of managing change and sensitive relationships
- Speaks both official languages
- Is willing to work long hours and move to the National Capital region
If this sounds like you, you have until July 25 to submit a CV.
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