A Sense of Place and of Purpose:
Canada's House of Commons
PERIOD OF THIS REPORT:
April 1, 2007-March 31, 2008
TOTAL NUMBER OF
SITTING DAYS:
112 days
From the Peace Tower carillon that rings out over the
nation's capital, to the scores of ornate stone carvings
and gargoyles that keep watch from their berths, Canada's
House of Commons is a place deeply rooted in symbols and
tradition that express a profound sense of both place and
purpose.
Visitors from around the world come to this Canadian
landmark and admire how it is a building formed by a
union of ideas. They see it in the distinctive
architecture: the thin lancet windows and soaring spires;
the smooth copper-clad rooftops; and the rough-carved
stonemasonry. Even its location holds a special meaning:
a meeting place of three rivers, perched on a rocky point
overlooking fast-moving water, wooded land and urban
landscapes, within sight of sacred meeting grounds that
the Algonquin peoples have always called
Asinabka, or "Place of Glare Rock."
All are witness to the purpose of this place.
Canada's House of Commons is where Canadian
values-democracy, justice, peace and integrity-are
celebrated and defended. It is a place where national
ideas take shape.
OUTREACH PROFILE
Office of the Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel
Each year, the Office of the Law Clerk and
Parliamentary Counsel provides an articling position to
a law student graduating in civil law or common law
from a Canadian university. The Office of the Law Clerk
and Parliamentary Counsel is also involved in other
outreach projects, such as welcoming co-op students
from Canadian law schools, and organizing conferences
for Members on law and parliamentary-related matters.
It is a place that is a legacy of our nation's founders
and one that thrives and flourishes today by virtue of
the support of the Canadian people. From all points on
the compass, Members of Parliament come to this place and
give voice to the hopes, ideas and concerns of the
citizens they represent. They engage each other in
debate, share ideas and make decisions that can affect
the lives of millions. And in doing so, they exercise the
democratic traditions that all citizens of this nation
hold dear.
This 2008 edition of the House of Commons Report to
Canadians showcases the accomplishments of Members
of Parliament and the House Administration that supports
them. It highlights the Administration's goals for the
upcoming fiscal year and provides up-to-date information
on membership in the House of Commons and the activities
of Members.