House of Commons Foyer

The most visible use of the Commons Chamber foyer in West Block is as the space for daily media scrums with Members of Parliament.

Intimate Space

Compared to the Commons Chamber and antechamber in the Parliament Building, this is a smaller and more intimate space. Rich, wood-framed decorative elements stretch from floor to ceiling and lend a natural warmth to the space. Marble floors with a cross-hatch pattern reflect light from pointed, square pendent light fixtures that hang from the coffered, plaster ceiling.

Portraits

Portraits of Canada’s Prime Ministers, here in traditional gilded frames, hang around the room, including Henry Sandham’s portrait of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald.

Objects from the collection

Photo gallery for Northern Door photo 1
© House of Commons / Chambre des communes

Northern Door

Leading into the Chamber is the Northern Door, which is topped by stained glass windows designed by Dominion Sculptor Phil White. The image is of a landscape in the snow, with dancing northern lights. Motifs for decorative elements used in the House of Commons are drawn from geography, flora and fauna, so as to provide reminders to parliamentarians of the places and the people they represent.