Ottawa as the Seat of Government
The Parliament Buildings and Grounds
Location and Disposition
Figure 6.1 Parliament Hill
Title, Management, Care and Control
The Centre Block
Figure 6.2 Floor Plan of the Centre Block
Peace Tower
Library of Parliament
The Chamber
Figure 6.3 The House of Commons Chamber
Seating
The Chair
The Table
The Mace
The Bar of the House
The Galleries
Strangers
Disorder in the Galleries
Lobbies
Sound Reinforcement, Simultaneous Interpretation, and Broadcasting Systems
Provision for Still Photography
Other Uses of the Chamber
Committee Rooms
Members’ Offices
Administrative Structures and Services
Overall Authority of the Speaker
Board of Internal Economy
Membership
Chair
Mandate and Authority
By-laws and Decisions of the Board
Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs
Office of the Clerk of the House
There is no such thing as a bad seat in the House of Commons.
Speaker Gilbert Parent
(Debates, September 30, 1998, p. 8585)
While the House of Commons conducts its business in accordance with established procedures and practices, it does so in its own unique physical setting and under administrative structures of its own making. These two factors are an important backdrop to the procedural operations of the House. This chapter provides information about Ottawa as the seat of government, the Parliament Buildings, the House of Commons Chamber and the administrative framework through which are provided an array of facilities and services dedicated to the operations of the House and the needs of its Members.