In December 2024, the Board of Internal Economy approved the extension of the House of Commons Administration’s Strategic Plan by one year, changing the end date from March 31, 2026 to March 31, 2027. This extra time will help the House Administration continue its progress on key corporate initiatives and adjust its priorities after the 2025 general election.
Enhancing service excellence through the Strategic Internal Assessment of Operations
To keep providing high‑quality programs and services to Members and to adapt to the changing financial context, the House Administration continues to make progress on initiatives under the Strategic Internal Assessment of Operations (SIAO). This approach supports service areas as they evaluate their current programs and services, key priorities and resources.
By engaging stakeholders and leveraging data‑driven insights, the SIAO will help to inform decisions that reinforce the collective focus on service excellence. It will also allow flexibility to prioritize high‑impact initiatives.
Highlights of 2024–2025 results
This section highlights some of the work undertaken by the House Administration from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025. This work supports Members’ activities and aligns with the House Administration’s three main priorities:
In 2024, the House Administration improved accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. It worked with accessibility organizations and individuals with lived experience to guide its efforts.
Throughout the year, the House Administration worked to make sure that its websites meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). It also started independent external audits for digital products.
Testing and improvements also continued for internal and public websites. This led to a major milestone: 85% of the most‑visited sections of the public website now meet accessibility standards. This means an improvement of 52% over the previous year. Other achievements included improvements to buildings such as adding a new accessible washroom in the Confederation Building. A new directive was also established to help the House Administration buy more accessible goods and services.
The House Administration also introduced training programs for its managers, as well as for Members and their staff, to better support employees with disabilities. New advisory services and resources on accessibility were introduced for Members to assist them in better serving clients with disabilities. Workshops were also held with employees living with disabilities.
These actions demonstrate the House Administration’s commitment to making the workplace more accessible and inclusive for everyone.
“I don’t feel different from other people because I have a disability. I try to live my life like everybody else, except I need different things. As long as I have the accommodation, I’m just like everybody else.”
— Murielle Arseneau, Purchasing Administrator, Resource Planning and Administration
Awarding the King Charles III Coronation Medal
The King Charles III Coronation Medal is a prestigious national award given to people who have greatly contributed to their communities. Out of the 30,000 medals given across Canada, 25 were awarded to House Administration employees for their dedication, leadership and innovation. The House Administration was proud to honour these 25 recipients who positively impacted Parliament and their communities.
These recipients shine in their roles. They deliver outstanding service, modernize processes, and build meaningful relationships. Their achievements represent the very best of the House Administration’s values, making it important to recognize their contributions.
Our workplace
Redeveloping Block 2: From design to demolition
The Block 2 redevelopment is a phase of the Long‑Term Vision and Plan for the parliamentary precinct. This major project involves the rehabilitation and construction of buildings directly facing Parliament Hill in downtown Ottawa. The block covers the area between Metcalfe, Wellington, O’Connor and Sparks streets.
The project is moving along nicely, with sites being prepared for projects and specific deconstruction being well underway. When complete, the redevelopment will provide office space for parliamentarians, Senate committee rooms, and combined Library of Parliament space. The project also includes renovated retail spaces on Sparks Street.
Construction fencing around the site will include artwork. Historic images from Library and Archives Canada will be displayed on Wellington and Metcalfe streets, giving a look into the past. On Sparks Street, artwork featuring playful images of Canada’s iconic animals will offer fun photo opportunities for visitors. The House Administration is proud to be a key part of this ambitious project. And to ensure its success at every stage, a team of experts has been assembled.
Launching a pay‑per‑use system for electric vehicle charging stations
The House Administration launched a pay‑per‑use system for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on Parliament Hill to promote sustainability and responsible energy use.
The system lets parking permit holders charge their EVs on a first‑come, first‑served basis. With 39 designated charging spaces and with clear usage guidelines, the new system improves the efficiency of charging stations and encourages environmentally friendly transportation choices.
Enhancing health and safety at the House
The House Administration is working to meet the new health and safety rules in Part II of the Canada Labour Code. In 2024, major improvements were made to ensure health and safety in the workplace. New prevention programs were launched, existing programs were updated and improved, and the system for identifying and managing workplace hazards was also updated. A new tool was introduced to request ergonomic, noise, air quality, and lighting assessments, making it easier for employees to improve their work environment.
The House Administration improved its disability management program by renewing the workplace accommodation policy, procedures, guidelines and training.
These efforts show the House Administration’s commitment to creating a safer and healthier working environment for everyone.
Our service delivery
Improving the Members’ Orientation Program
In 2024, the House Administration made several changes to the Members’ Orientation Program. This program is essential to equip newly elected and re‑elected Members with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in their parliamentary career. It also helps to guide departing Members through the steps toward the next phase of their lives.
Changes include the following:
A clear process to track each Member’s journey from initial onboarding to transitioning out of their parliamentary role.
Digitized forms, information and data to provide a more complete and seamless experience for Members and to allow the House Administration to be more agile in supporting them.
Expanded onboarding process for Members’ new staff to include more types of employees, streamlined communications, and revised training materials.
Streamlined processes to help Members’ constituency staff with setting up offices and services, such as phone lines and security. This included a simpler billing process with an easy‑to‑understand invoice.
Enhancing security and visitor experience on Parliament Hill
Visiting Parliament Hill is a great way to learn about Canadian history and understand how parliamentary democracy works. To ensure a safe and welcoming experience for all visitors, the House Administration introduced a new visitor registration system. From now on, visitors must present photo identification, which helps to confirm identity and enhance security on Parliament Hill.
The Office of the Sergeant‑at‑Arms and Corporate Security worked with the Library of Parliament and the Parliamentary Protective Service to implement the registration system. This initiative underlines the House Administration’s commitment to maintaining a secure and accessible Parliament for everyone.
