House of Commons Procedure and Practice

Second Edition, 2009

House of Commons Procedure and Practice - 6. The Physical and Administrative Setting - Contents and Introduction

6. The Physical and Administrative Setting

Photo of Unicorn with the arms of Canada and the flag of Royal France from the Peace Tower Main Archway.

 

 

*    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

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

*    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.

Top of Page