Dream of being a senator? The government is ready to hear from you.

"The Senate application process is now open. Apply online," says the invitation posted Thursday on the government website.

There have always been ways for individuals — usually higher-profile ones, or those with a long history in partisan politics — to let a government know they are interested in joining the Upper Chamber, but never so directly.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised to replace the old system of patronage with a new merit-based appointments process overseen by an independent advisory board.

On Thursday, that board opened up the application process to anyone who thinks they might be a good fit for one of the 20 current and upcoming vacancies in seven provinces.

Applicants from British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island are invited to submit their curriculum vitae, three reference letters and a form consenting to a background check to www.canada.ca/senate-appointments.

The deadline to apply is Aug. 4.

Seven independent senators — including the government's representative, Sen. Peter Harder — were named through the first phase of the process in March.

The advisory board reviewed the applications of 284 people nominated by non-government organizations, charities, academic institutions, labour groups, indigenous communities, business groups and other organizations.

The advisory board also welcomed eight new members to help judge which names should make it to the top of the list.

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