Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC) board member Peter Almounauar recently represented NC at the 2026 Model Senate program in Ottawa, gaining valuable experience in parliamentary procedure, leadership and advocacy that he hopes to bring back to the College community.
During the visit to Ottawa, Almounauar (right) had the opportunity to connect with NC alumna and Senator Rebecca Patterson (left).
Hosted by the Senate of Canada, the annual Model Senate program gives post-secondary students from across the country the opportunity to experience Canada’s upper chamber firsthand through debate, research and collaboration.
Almounauar said the experience strengthened skills that will support his work as NCSAC’s Director of Media and as the Student Governor with the NC Board of Governors.
“I was honoured to serve as the Second Reader of the bill and contribute to discussions throughout the legislative process,” said Almounauar. “This experience challenged me to think critically, listen to diverse perspectives from different backgrounds and programs, and it pushed me to work collaboratively to advance my ideas through debate and research.”
He noted that his experiences with NCSAC, College committees and the Youth Advisory Council helped prepare him for the collaborative nature of the program.
“Many of the skills I have developed through NCSAC, committees and Youth Advisory Council have transferred directly into this experience,” he said. “The Model Senate focused on the importance of collaboration, respectful debate, and ensuring that diverse voices are represented in decision-making with a variety of roles that match the actual proceedings of senates.”
Almounauar hopes to encourage greater participation from college students in future Model Senate programs and strengthen the presence of college students representation.
