Our Country, Our Parliament - AN INTRODUCTION TO HOW CANADA'S PARLIAMENT WORKS - Library of Parliament
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Our Country, Our Parliament
AN INTRODUCTION TO HOW CANADA’S PARLIAMENT WORKS
Photos in this publication are from the Library of Parliament unless otherwise indicated. Mountie on cover: © (2007) HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF CANADA as represented by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Reprinted with the permission of the RCMP. Our Country, Our Parliament: An Introduction to How Canada’s Parliament Works © Library of Parliament, 2021 Issued in French under the title Notre pays, notre Parlement : une introduction au fonctionnement du Parlement du Canada. ISBN 978-0-660-36968-6 Cat. no.: YM41-5/2021E-PDF
Our Country, Our Parliament
AN INTRODUCTION TO HOW CANADA’S PARLIAMENT WORKS
What’s PARLIAMENT OR GOVERNMENT — WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? 6
Inside HOW TO USE OUR COUNTRY, OUR PARLIAMENT
What Do the Icons Mean?
Your Narrators
7
7
1. CANADA: THE ROAD TO DEMOCRACY
Democracy Defined 8
Confederation 9
The Constitution 11
Constitution Act, 1982 11
Canadian Charter of Rights
and Freedoms 12
2. CANADA’S SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
Overview of the Federal Branches of Government 14
The Three Levels of Government 15
The Division of Powers 16
3. CANADA’S DEMOCRACY IN ACTION
Elections 17
Dissolving Parliament 18
Campaigns 18
Political Parties 20
Voting 21
Forming a Government 22
4
4. THE BUSINESS OF PARLIAMENT
The Role of the Monarch 23
The Two-Chamber System:
The Senate and the House of Commons 23
The Senate 24
The House of Commons 26
The Prime Minister 28
The Cabinet 28
The Speakers 29
The Process of Passing a Bill 30
On the Job with a Senator 32
A Day in the Life of a Member of Parliament 33
Parliament 24/7 35
5. YOUR CAPITAL
Why Ottawa? 37
On and around Parliament Hill 37
The Fire of 1916 37
6. PARLIAMENT IN MOTION
Evolving Parliamentary Democracy 42
Getting Involved in Democracy 43
Glossary 44
Links 49
Getting to Know Your Narrators 50
5
PARLIAMENT OR GOVERNMENT
What’s the Difference?
• Monarch/ • Executive (the Monarch/
• the Monarch Governor General, the Prime
Governor General
(represented by the Minister and the Cabinet)
Governor General) • Prime Minister
• Cabinet members • Federal departments
• Senators (such as National Defence,
(Senators and MPs)
• Members of Justice and Finance)
Parliament (MPs)
WORD BUILDER — Parliament or Government
These two words don’t mean the same thing!
Parliament is the legislative (lawmaking) part of government, made up of the Monarch,
the Senate and the House of Commons. For example, Parliament passed a bill.
Government has two meanings:
• Generally, government refers to the management (governing) of a country.
• Specifically, the Government consists of the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and the federal
departments they manage.
6
How to Use Our Country, Our Parliament
This book introduces you to Canada’s What Do the Icons Mean?
Parliament. By the time you finish this You will see icons (symbols) in this book. These icons introduce you to new ideas and information.
book, you will understand:
WHAT ABOUT ME? TALK ABOUT IT!
• how parliamentary democracy works These sections contain discussion ques- Look for this icon for suggestions on topics
in Canada tions, or questions to ask yourself. for discussion with your friends and family.
• how people get appointed or elected WORD BUILDER THINK ABOUT IT!
to Parliament This is where you can learn new words and Think about why people acted the way
phrases. they did. Imagine other ways they could
• what Senators and MPs do
have acted.
DID YOU KNOW?
• how decisions made in Parliament
Find out interesting facts about Parliament! When a word is in bold you can find its
affect you and your community
definition in the glossary at the back of
THE MAGNIFYING GLASS
this book.
Parliament is a big place! To help you find Look closer when you see this symbol.
your way around, a team of narrators
have volunteered to help out.
Your Narrators
Find out more about the narrators at the back of this book.
7
SECTIO N
Canada: The Road 6
to Democracy
7
1
1 3 2
CANADA IS A DEMOCRACY. WHAT IS A DEMOCRACY?
Democracy Defined 6
The word democracy describes a political CANADIAN COAT OF ARMS — A coat of arms is
a symbol used to identify someone or something.
system. Sometimes a coat of arms appears on an important
In a democratic country, all eligible building, or at the top of an official letter. This is the coat
citizens have the right to participate, either of arms of Canada. It contains many symbols that give 4
us clues about Canada’s history and what Canadians
directly or indirectly, in making the deci- feel is important. See if you can spot: 3 3 4
sions that affect them. Canadian citizens 1 the flag of the United Kingdom
normally elect someone to represent them 2 the royal flag of France (fleur-de-lis)
in m
aking decisions at the different levels 3 symbols of England (golden lions, roses)
4 symbols of Scotland (red lion, thistles, unicorn) 5 2
of government. This is called a representative
democracy. Countries like Canada, the 5 symbols of Ireland (harp, shamrocks)
United States of America and the 6 Canadian symbols (maple leaves)
7 symbols of monarchy (crowns, royal helmet) 6
United Kingdom all have representative
8 the words (in Latin) desiderantes meliorem patriam, 8
democracies. which means they desire a better country
Before European people came to Canada, 9
9 the words (in Latin) a mari usque ad mare, which
many different Indigenous peoples governed means from sea to sea
5
their regions using many different political 4
systems, including democracy. 3
TALK ABOUT IT WORD BUILDER — The word democracy
Students in your class may come from comes from the Greek word demos (mean- TALK ABOUT IT
many different countries. Are these coun- ing the people) and kratos (meaning rule). What symbols identify you? Your family?
tries democracies? How many of your Early forms of democracy began around Your community? Look around your
classmates have experience with other 2,500 years ago, in Athens and other Greek neighbourhood. Can you see symbols that
political systems? How are they similar to cities. identify other people or things? Make a
democracies? How are they different? Using a dictionary, look up some other list of these symbols. List the other symbols
DID YOU KNOW? — Creating official designs for words that start with demo. List them with your classmates collected. Do you all
coats of arms is the responsibility of the Canadian your class. Think about what they mean. agree on what the symbols mean?
Heraldic Authority. The Governor General is in
charge of this organization.
8
WORD BUILDER — Indigenous peoples THINK ABOUT IT
Does your school have a student council? which had to be passed by the Parliament
Indigenous (or Aboriginal) peoples are
How do you decide which students will of the United Kingdom. Once passed,
defined in the Canadian Constitution
represent you? What decisions does a it became known as the B ritish North
as including the Indian (First Nations),
student council have to make? Why is it America Act, or the BNA Act. This Act
Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada. Each
important that you have a representative? brought together the three provinces of
of these groups has distinct cultures,
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Canada
languages and traditions.
Confederation (which b
ecame the provinces of Ontario and
• Today, the term First Nations is often Canada became a country, the Dominion of Quebec). The BNA Act described the
used instead of the word “Indian”, Canada, in 1867. Before that, British North structure and main
which many people consider outdated. America was made up of a few provinces, laws of the new
There are roughly 630 First Nations the vast area of Rupert’s Land (privately country, as well as
communities across Canada (also owned by the Hudson’s Bay Company), the division of
called reserves). and the North-Western Territory. By 1864, powers between
many leaders felt that it would be good to the new p rovinces
• The Inuit live in the northern regions of
join into one country. Known as the F
athers and the federal
Canada, Russia, Alaska and Greenland,
of Confederation, these leaders met and government.
and are united by a common culture and
wrote a constitution for the new country,
language. Approximately 64,000 Inuit
reside in Canada.
Photo reproduced with the permission
• The term Métis, broadly defined, CANADA IN 1867 — Canada was much smaller in 1867. of Natural Resources Canada 2008,
It included only four provinces: Ontario, Quebec, New courtesy of the Atlas of Canada
includes all persons of First Nations Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Where do you live? Was
and European ancestry who identify it part of Canada in 1867?
1867 Ontario, Quebec, 1873 Prince Edward Island
themselves as Métis. DID YOU KNOW? — The rest of Canada’s provinces New Brunswick, 1898 Yukon
and territories joined Confederation (became a part of
Nova Scotia 1905 Alberta, Saskatchewan
the country) at later dates:
We have had a type of democracy in Canada 1870 Manitoba, 1949 Newfoundland and
since the mid-1300s! Did you know that the Northwest Territories Labrador
Haudenosaunee (or Iroquois) Confederacy 1871 British Columbia 1999 Nunavut
is the oldest democracy in North America?
1860 1870 1880 1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000
SECTION 1 Canada: The Road to Democracy 9
1
2
1 the Right Honourable
THIS PAINTING, CALLED “FATHERS OF CONFEDERATION,” is based Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s
on the original, “Meeting of the Delegates of British North America.” first Prime Minister
The men shown here helped make the final agreement that created 2 the Honourable
House of Commons Collection, Ottawa
Canada. After years of political debate, there were three historic Sir George-Étienne Cartier, one
meetings in Quebec City, Charlottetown and London, England, to of Macdonald’s closest friends
decide the future creation of Canada. and collaborators
The artist, Robert Harris, worked mostly from photographs of the men.
THINK ABOUT IT
DID YOU KNOW? — The original painting by Robert Harris
Why are there no women burned during the fire that destroyed most of the Centre Block
in this painting? of the Parliament Buildings in 1916. When Centre Block was open,
a copy of the painting by Rex Woods hung in one of its committee
rooms. The main difference between the two is the addition of a portrait
of Robert Harris and three more delegates to the London Conference
of 1866 (who were officially recognized in 1927).
Charlottetown
Quebec City
10THE QUEEN IS SIGNING
THE CONSTITUTION ACT, 1982.
1 the Honourable Gerald Regan
(Secretary of State of Canada)
2 the Right Honourable Pierre Trudeau
1 3 (Prime Minister)
3 the Honourable Michael Pitfield
(Clerk of the Privy Council)
4 the Honourable Michael Kirby
4 (Secretary to the C
abinet for The Constitution
Federal-Provincial Relations and The Constitution is the highest law in
2 5 Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council)
Canada. It includes several different laws,
5 Queen Elizabeth II
decisions by judges, agreements between
Based on Robert Cooper, Canada. Office of the Prime Minister
Collection, Library and Archives Canada, e02282980 the federal and provincial governments, and
traditions. The main written parts of the
Constitution of Canada are the Constitu
WORD BUILDER — Many words can be tion Act, 1867 (this used to be called
changed from a verb to a noun by adding the British North America Act) and the
WORD BUILDER ‑ment: Constitution Act, 1982.
NOUN VERB ADJECTIVE • amend amendment
colony colonize colonial Constitution Act, 1982
• govern
government govern governmental In 1982, the Queen and the Right Honourable
symbol symbolize symbolic • argue (careful of the e!) Pierre Trudeau, Prime Minister, signed the
Constitution Act, 1982, which includes the
• Try using some of these words in sen- • assess
British North America Act and the C anadian
tences. Notice the endings on the adjec-
• assign Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
tives: -ial, -al, -ic.
• See if you can fill in the table with some Brainstorm with your class. What other
WHAT ABOUT ME?
of these other nouns: contact, collection, words follow this pattern? Try using both
List some of the rules or laws that affect
identity, democracy. the verbs and the new nouns in sentences.
you. Does your family or your school have
rules? Are these rules written down? Who
is responsible for enforcing the rules? Are
these rules easy to change? What would
The Constitution Act is difficult to change. For some parts of the Act,
happen if the rules were easy to change?
the Senate, the House of Commons and all provinces must agree
to any amendments (changes). Other parts can be changed with the
agreement of the Senate, the House of Commons and at least seven
provinces with more than 50% of the total population of all the provinces.
SECTION 1 Canada: The Road to Democracy 111
CANADIAN CHARTER OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
2
1 the Canadian coat of arms
2 the flag of Canada
3 the Parliament Buildings (Centre Block)
4 signature of the Right Honourable Pierre Trudeau
(Prime Minister in 1982)
Canadian Charter of Rights
and Freedoms TALK ABOUT IT
The Canadian Charter of Rights Canadians can go to court if they feel that
and
Freedoms forms the first par t their Charter rights aren’t being respected.
of the
Constitution Act, 1982. Here are som Look online or in the newspaper. Can you
tections that the Charter guarantees:
e pro
find stories about these court challenges? 3
What rights are most important to you
• freedom of religion, of thought, and to your family and friends?
of expression, of the press and
of peaceful assembly
WORD BUILDER — Look closely at this word:
• the right to participate in politica
l
activities and the right to a democra FREEDOM
tic
government The word divides into two – free and
dom. The word free comes from the old 4
• the freedom to move around and German frei (meaning beloved) and the
live
within Canada, and to leave Canada Sanskrit priyah (beloved); -dom is some-
• legal rights such as the right to life, times added to the end of a word to make
liberty and security it a noun (wisdom, kingdom). What other
words contain the word free?
• equality rights
• language rights
12n Heritage
Department of Canadia
SECTION 1 Canada: The Road to Democracy 13S E C T IO
Canada’s System of Government
2
N
Overview of the Federal
Branches of Government
Three branches work together to govern
Canada: the executive, legislative and
judicial branches. The executive branch
(also called the Government) is the decision-
making branch, made up of the Monarch
(represented by the Governor General),
the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet. The
l egislative branch is the law-making
branch, made up of the appointed Senate
and the elected House of Commons. The
judicial branch is a series of independent
courts that interpret the laws passed by
the other two branches.
Parliament itself is made up of the
following three parts: the Monarch, the
Senate and the House of Commons.
Canada is a constitutional monarchy,
which means that we recognize the Queen
or King as the Head of State, while the
Prime Minister is the Head of Government.
14the Latin
the Latin The municipal level (from
The provincial level (from zen of a
ent municipalis, meaning of a citi
The Three Levels of Governm provincia, meaning under Rom
an rule:
of free town).
Canada has three main levels from pro, to be in favour of som
ething,
ment that
government. the terri- This is the level of govern
and vincere, to conquer) and tow n or
in foedus, ra, mean- is usually based in a city,
The federal level (from the Lat torial level (from the Latin ter Municipal
distr ict (a municipality).
meaning league). ing land). for areas
Canada, governments are responsible
This level of government dea
ls with In each of the 10 provinces in munity
ponsible such as libraries, parks, com
areas of law listed in the Const
i- the provincial government is res roadways
tion Act, water systems, local police,
tution Act, 1867 and that for areas listed in the Constitu hority for
lth care, and parking. They receive aut
generally affect the whole 1867, such as education, hea l govern-
road regu- these areas from the provincia
countr y. (See list some natural resources, and
re respon- ments.
on next page.) lations. Sometimes they sha also band
ernment. Across the countr y there are
sibility with the federal gov Nations
their ow n councils, which govern First
The three territories have d councils
governments, with responsib
ilities communities . These electe
their local
that are given to them by the make decisions that affect
federal government. communities.
Country
— Federal Level
Province/Territory —
Provincial/Territorial Level
el
Municipality — Municipal Lev
SECTION 2 Canada’s System of Government 15The Division of Powers The federal government tries to make WORD BUILDER
The federal level of government has powers things fairer among the provinces. NOUN ADJECTIVE RELATED WORDS
that are different from those of provincial Through equalization payments (extra federation federal confederation
governments, including: money) given to provinces that are less federalize
wealthy, the federal government tries federate
to make sure that the standards of federalism
health, education and welfare are the
same for every Canadian.
In the same way that it lists the WHAT ABOUT ME?
powers of the federal government, the The next time you go to a park, notice
Constitution Act, 1867 lists the powers which level of government is managing it:
of the provinces, including: federal, provincial or municipal. You can
usually tell by the signs at the entrance. Do
• direct taxes
you notice any differences between these
• hospitals parks? Think about their location and what
services and activities they have. Look at
• prisons
the Parks Canada website. Why do you
• education think these national parks were created?
How about provincial parks? City parks?
• marriage
• property and civil rights
The Act also says that the power
over agriculture and immigration
should be shared between the fed-
eral and provincial governments.
The federal government
makes decisions that affect
Canadians every day.
16Canada’s Running for office takes dedication and
lots of hard work. Some candidates run
many times before they win an election.
3 Democracy in Action
SE CT IO N
Once the candidates are elected, they
spend part of the year in Ottawa and part
of the year in their home ridings.
Elections If a person does not belong to a party,
Federal elections must be held at then he or she can run for election in his
least once every four years to decide who or her riding as an independent candidate.
will represent Canadians in the House On Election Day, the candidate with
of Commons. the most votes becomes a Member of WORD BUILDER — In the world of politics,
Canada is divided into areas called Parliament (MP or Member of the House the verb to run has a specific meaning.
ridings (also called constituencies or electoral of Commons) and represents his or To run in an election means that you are
districts). Canadian citizens vote for her riding in the House of Commons in competing with other candidates to repre-
the candidate in their riding who they Ottawa. The party with the highest sent your riding.
think will best represent them. number of elected MPs across the country During an election, you may hear the
There are usually many different usually forms the Government. The leader expressions run for office and running in an
candidates in each riding. They may of that party becomes the Prime Minister. election. They both mean to compete in an
represent a political party or be election as a candidate.
running independently. THINK ABOUT IT!
VERB NOUN ADJECTIVE
How does a person become a
Imagine you were going to run in the next to elect election
electoral (process,
candidate? First, he or she has to be
federal election. Do you know which party vote, officer)
nominated (or chosen) by fellow party
you would want to represent? Or would or elective (surgery)
members in his or her riding during a spe-
you choose to run as an independent? How
cial meeting called a nomination meeting. If The word elect means to choose. Here are
would you decide?
more than one person in the party wants a few sentences with the word elect:
to be a candidate for that riding, there is a
• She was elected in 2006.
vote during the nomination meeting to DID YOU KNOW? — Because each riding should
decide who it will be. represent a relatively fixed number of people, as • An election will be held this year.
the population increases, the number of ridings has
to be increased and the boundaries redrawn. In 1867, • He is the Chief Electoral Officer.
Canada had only 4 provinces and 181 ridings. Today,
there are 338 ridings.
SECTION 3 Canada’s Democracy in Action 17Campaigns WORD BUILDER — A teacher can dismiss
After an election is called and before the class – that is, the teacher can tell the class
day voting takes place (usually called that they can go home. The Governor
Election Day), each candidate competes General can dissolve Parliament, which is
with the other candidates in the riding to somewhat similar. These words both start
convince voters why he or she is the best with dis-. Take a look at these words:
choice. This is called a campaign. A candi
Dissolving Parliament • disable • dissolve
date tells voters his or her message in many
The Prime Minister asks the Governor
different ways: • disappear • disagree
General to end (or dissolve) Parliament and
call an election. Dissolution (the act of dis- • campaign signs Like the prefix un, dis makes the root word
solving) happens when: into its opposite. Try using dis with the
• door-to-door canvassing
following familiar words, then create some
• the Government’s fixed four-year term
• advertising campaigns (on television, sentences with them: advantage, approve,
is complete, or
radio and social media, and in believe, colour, comfort, connection,
• the Government loses a vote on newspapers, for example) courage, engage, infect, illusion, satisfy,
certain important bills – on the respect.
• public meetings
budget, for example – in the Sometimes, the dis word is used more than
House of Commons. These are • debates the root: disgust, for example. The root
known as votes of confidence. gust (which is associated with the sense of
Many of these activities cost money.
taste) is not as familiar to English speakers
There are rules about how much money
as disgust.
candidates are allowed to spend on cam-
paigns, and how much money people are
allowed to give to candidates.
Of course, to do all this work, candidates
have several people helping them. These
people are called campaign workers. People
of any age, including youth, can help out
on campaigns.
18S.
THESE ARE CAMPAIGN SIGN
Wha t do thes e sign s have in
common? What is different? What
mes sage do you think each
candidate is trying to send to voters?
SECTION 3 Canada’s Democracy in Action 19WHAT ABOUT ME? Political Parties WORD BUILDER — The word campaign
Have you ever participated in an election? Canada has many different political parties. comes from the Latin campus, which
Young people across Canada get involved People in the same party usually have s imilar means field. In ancient times, armies would
in elections by volunteering to help opinions about public issues. In Parliament, take to the field when they fought. In
candidates, attending public debates and members of different parties often have English, we still use the word campaign to
expressing their views on social media. different opinions. This is why there are mean a military battle or series of battles.
Some issues that are often important to sometimes disagreements during elections We can also use the word race to describe
young Canadians are access to colleges and when Parliament is sitting. an election competition. Race comes from
and universities, employment and skills Having different parties allows criticism the Old Norse ras, meaning running water.
training and equal rights. Think about and encourages debate. Canadians have Like many words in English, we can use
what election issues are important to you. a choice to express their views by voting race either as a noun or as a verb.
for a member of a specific party during
election time. This is called the party system. NOUN VERB EXAMPLES
race to race She ran a very
WHAT ABOUT ME? good race.
You probably have opinions on and ideas He raced to
of what would be good for Canada. Think the finish line.
about one issue that is important to you vote to vote
(the environment, immigration, education, form to form
or law and order, for example). Research act to act
some of the major political parties in help to help
Canada to find out where they stand on
your issue. Which one do you think has the WORD BUILDER
best ideas? Imagine you are creating a
• issue • policy
political party. What issues are important?
• idea • opinion
These words are difficult to explain
because they are abstract. Look them up in
a dictionary if you do not know them. Can
you use these words in a sentence?
20Voting Voters make an X beside the name of
A Canadian citizen who is 18 years of age the candidate they prefer. Then they fold
or older by Election Day can vote after he up the ballot and place it into a ballot box. The minimum age to run
in an election is 18 years old.
or she has registered with Elections Canada. If they incorrectly mark a ballot, or The youngest person ever
Elections Canada will then add him or her mark more than one name, that is called elected to Parliament was
Pierre-Luc Dusseault, who
to the voters’ list. a spoiled ballot and it will not be counted.
was 19 years old when he was
On Election Day, most voters go to a Citizens can vote even if they are away from elected in 2011.
nearby location called a polling station, home on Election Day. Elections Canada has
where their names are checked off the voters’ information on how to vote in advance, either
list. If they have not yet registered, they can in person or by mail. Some university campuses,
do so at this time. At the polling station, each youth centres and Friendship Centres even
voter is given a ballot (a piece of paper listing host special advance polling stations.
all the candidates in the riding). Voters Once voting ends, the votes are collected
do not have to tell anyone who they are voting and added up. This can take a long time. TALK ABOUT IT!
for — it is a secret ballot. Television stations and websites have special How do you think elections work in other
features reporting the election results. countries? Try asking to see if your friends
Some races are very close and are decided or family know. Here are some questions
by a small number of votes. you might want to ask:
3 • Who is allowed to vote?
1
Elections Canada
3 • How often are elections held?
2
• Where do people vote?
• Is the ballot secret?
• How do people find out who wins?
1
BALLOT BOX
2 1 Elections Canada logo
BALLOT
Elections Canada
e 2 polling station number
1 candidate’s nam
tically)
(ordered alphabe 3 slot for completed ballot
of the candidate
2 political party
the voter
3 circle where
writes “X” to ch
oose
SECTION 3 Canada’s Democracy in Action 21WHAT ABOUT ME?
Who is your MP? What riding do you live
Forming a Government
in? What party does your MP belong to? Do
When the election is over, all winning
you know where your MP’s riding office is?
candidates become Members of Parliament,
Look it up if you do not know! Your MP
or MPs for short. The MPs whose party does
has people working in his or her office who
not form the Government are called opposition
can help you if you have a problem, such as
MPs. The Official Opposition is usually the
difficulty getting a government service, or
party with the second-highest number of
if you have a complaint or question about
elected members after the winning party.
government. It is your MP’s job to listen to
The leader of this party is called the Leader
all his or her constituents (people who live
of the Official Opposition.
in the riding), even if they did not vote for
him or her.
DID YOU KNOW? — Agnes Macphail was the first
woman elected to Parliament. She served as an MP in THINK ABOUT IT
the House of Commons from 1921-1940. Would you rather be a Senator or an MP?
What do you think the advantages and
Yousuf Karsh / Library and Archives Canada / PA-165870
disadvantages of each role might be?
When it is time for Parliament to sit,
parliamentarians will discuss and debate
WORD BUILDER
new bills (proposed laws) and make
SENATE
decisions that affect every Canadian. For
This word comes from the Latin senex,
more information on bills, see The Process
meaning elder. Literally, it means a council
of Passing a Bill in Section 4.
of elders.
HOUSE OF COMMONS
I work in the Parliament Buildings. When Parliament
The word commons comes from the Latin
is in session, the Senators and MPs are in town. communis, which means shared by many.
They meet to discuss issues and policy and to debate Other related words are community, com-
bills, both in the Chambers and in committee.
munication and commune.
22CT
I ON
The Business of Parliament
4
SE
The Governor General
WORD BUILDER
has two official homes where
GOVERN – from the Greek word kybernan, he or she lives and works:
The Role of the Monarch Rideau Hall in Ottawa, not far
meaning to steer a ship (the same root as
Canada’s Monarch (King or Queen) is also from Parliament Hill, and
the word cyber). Govern is a verb: The King the Citadelle in Quebec City.
Monarch of several other independent
governed well and wisely. Can you think of
nations. The Monarch, on the advice of
other words that stem from govern?
the Prime Minister, appoints a Canadian
to represent him or her in Canada. This MONARCHY – from the Greek monarkhia,
person is called the Governor General. meaning ruling of one. It contains two
The Governor General has several duties parts: mono-, which means one, and
The Two-Chamber System:
related to Parliament. He or she swears in arkhein, which means to rule. Mono is used
The Senate and
the Prime Minister as Head of Government often in English. Think of these words:
the House of Commons
and opens a new session of Parliament with • monopoly
Canada has a bicameral parliamentary
the Speech from the Throne in the Senate • monotonous
system (the prefix bi- means two). That
Chamber. This is a ceremonial speech, • monologue
means that there are two separate Chambers,
written by the Privy Council Office, in
-archy sometimes ends words that describe each housing its own separate group of
which the Governor General describes the
how something is ruled. For example: parliamentarians: the Senate (p. 24) and the
goals of the new Government. He or she also
• anarchy House of Commons (p. 26).
dissolves Parliament, and gives Royal Assent
• hierarchy
to bills passed in Parliament. DID YOU KNOW? — The Senate
The role of the Governor General also and the House of Commons are also
includes: called the Upper Chamber and
OW?
DID YOU KN the Lower Chamber. Another way
• serving as Commander-in-Chief of , the highest prize
The Stanley Cup , to talk about either of these places is
Hockey League
Canada (of the Canadian Forces) in the National to say “Chamber.”
Canada’s
• hosting foreign dignitaries and visiting was a gift from
no r General,
sixth Gover
other countries at the request of the or d) St anley of Preston
Baron (L
3). The trophy
Prime Minister (served 1888–189 ion
med the “Domin
was originally na
• celebrating excellence by giving e Cup.”
Hockey Challeng
awards to outstanding Canadians
Lord Sttoann,l1e8y92
of Pres 23The Senate DID YOU KNOW? — The Mace is the tradi-
tional symbol of the Senate’s and Speaker’s authority.
Senators are appointed by the Governor
Notice how it has a crown at the top? Once the Mace
General on the Prime Minister’s recom- is laid on the Table, the Senate is officially in session.
mendation. SENATE CHAMBER
The formula for the number and distribution 1 Throne (This is where the Monarch or the Governor
of Senators was written into the Constitution. Chamber Business General sits to read the Speech from the Throne, which
In 1867, the Senate started with 72 members, The Senate has an important role in the tells Canadians what to expect during a new session of
Parliament, and gives Royal Assent.)
but this increased as the country’s population law-making process: it reviews and debates
2 Speaker of the Senate
and geography grew. The number of seats in bills proposed by both Chambers. Although
3 Clerk of the Senate and the Parliaments
the Senate is now 105. A Senator must be at Senators usually consider bills proposed 4 Page
least 30 years old and must retire by his or her by the House of Commons, they also 5 Senators
75th birthday. suggest new bills (but these bills cannot be 6 Mace
about spending public money or c reating 7 Red carpet (red for monarchy)
taxes). Bills must pass through both 8 Usher of the Black Rod
PROVINCE/TERRITORY SENATORS Chambers — the Senate and the House of
British Columbia 6 Commons — and be given Royal Assent
Alberta 6 before becoming law.
Saskatchewan 6 All debates that take place
Manitoba 6 in the Senate are recorded As Senate pages, we get to see the action
Ontario 24 and published in both official up close. We are all university students. Only
15 of us are chosen every year.
Quebec 24 languages. In addition, Sena-
I handle official documents and give
New Brunswick 10 tors present petitions, table messages to Senators when they are in session
Nova Scotia 10 documents, discuss committee and in committee. Take a look at the picture
on the next page and see if you can
Prince Edward Island 4 reports and make statements
find one of us!
Newfoundland & Labrador 6 in the Chamber.
Yukon 1
Northwest Territories 1
DID YOU KNOW? — The Governor General can and
Nunavut 1 does enter the Senate Chamber, but by tradition he or she
TOTAL 105 does not go into the House of Commons. That is why the
Speech from the Throne and the Royal Assent
c eremony happen in the Senate.
24 SECTION 4 The Business of Parliament4 1
8
2
3
5 5
6
7
Library of Parliament – Martin Lipman
25The House of Commons Usually, Cabinet Ministers and
The House of Commons is the elected law- Parliamentary Secretaries introduce
making body in Parliament. When MPs bills, but individual MPs can also introduce
meet together in the House of Commons new bills (called Private Member’s bills), as COMMONS CHAMBER
Chamber in Ottawa, we say that the House long as the bills do not involve taxes. The 1 Speaker of the House of Commons
is in session or is sitting. House is also where the budget estimates 2 Clerk of the House of Commons
How is the seating of MPs in the House for each ministry or area of government 3 Page
of Commons arranged? In the House of services are debated and passed. 4 Government Members
Commons Chamber, politicians from the 5 Opposition Members (the Official Opposition along with
MPs from other parties and independent MPs)
same party normally sit together. The
6 Prime Minister (the leader of the governing party)
governing party sits to the right of the WORD BUILDER — Some English words can
7 Mace (the symbol of authority of the Speaker of the House
Speaker of the House of Commons. The be used as nouns or as verbs. of Commons. The Mace is placed on the Table and points
Official Opposition sits directly opposite NOUN VERB towards the Government to show that the House is sitting.)
the Government. Where the members of bill to bill someone 8 Green carpet (The green colour of Canada’s House of
Commons is the same as that used in the House of
the other opposition parties sit depends on EXAMPLES: The health care bill passed Commons in England for well over 300 years.)
the number of MPs elected from each party. second reading.
The parliamentary restaurant
Chamber Business will bill him for the dinner.
The work of an MP in the Chamber report to report
includes reviewing and debating new bills EXAMPLES: The House committee’s report
that affect all Canadians. It also includes was very detailed.
Library and Archives
Canada, PA-185700
Sgt. Ray Kolly, 1986
taking part in question period, making The Senator will report back
(GGC86-950)
statements about important events and to the committee.
issues from the riding, raising issues and study to study
presenting recommendations and reports. EXAMPLES: The study shows that The Hon.
The Rt. Hon.
Muriel McQueen
Fergusson Jeanne Sauvé
Canadians like their flag.
The Prime Minister studied
DID YOU KNOW? — The first woman to take the
As House of Commons pages, we handle law in university. chair as Speaker in Parliament was the Honourable
documents and distribute messages to MPs Muriel McQueen Fergusson (left). She was Speaker of
when they are in the Chamber. Every year, the Senate from 1972 to 1974. The Right Honourable
40 first-year university students are selected Create sentences using these words: Jeanne Sauvé (right) served as the first female Speaker
to be pages. Can you see where we usually sit change to change of the House of Commons from 1980-1984. She was also
when the House is in session? (view page 27). the first woman to be appointed Governor General of
hold to hold
Canada (1984-1990).
pass to pass
26 SECTION 4 The Business of Parliament1
3
4 2 5
7
6
8
Library of Parliament – Martin Lipman
27SENATE SPEAKER’S CHAIR
1 This chair is for the Speaker.
The Prime Minister The Cabinet 2 This one is for the Monarch or the Governor General.
In Canada, the leader of the political The Prime Minister chooses members 3 This one is for the Monarch’s or Governor General’s consort
(husband or wife).
party that wins the most seats in of the Cabinet. There are usually MPs (and
When the Monarch or the Governor General attends the
the House of Commons usually often one Senator) who belong to the Senate, such as for the Speech from the Throne or Royal
becomes Prime Minister. (This party in power. Those who head Assent, the Speaker’s chair is removed.
is in contrast to some countries, government departments are called
where citizens vote to elect their Ministers. Each province generally WHAT ABOUT ME?
leader directly, such as the President has at least one Cabinet Minister. As The work of the federal government is done
in the United States.) He or she is Canada has grown and changed, the Cabinet through departments (or ministries) and
sworn in by the Governor General. has also grown and evolved, with ministries agencies. Here are some examples of
sometimes being renamed, added, dropped federal departments’ areas of responsibility:
TALK ABOUT IT! or reorganized. the environment, citizenship and immi-
Who is the Prime Minister of Canada? The Cabinet takes collective respon- gration, foreign affairs, defence and natural
What skills should a prime minister have? sibility for government policies. It must, resources. Which department affects you
Would you make a good prime minister? in public, agree with the Government’s the most? Which ones would you most like
What other countries have prime ministers? decisions or resign. to work for?
Presidents? Both?
THINK ABOUT IT
WORD BUILDER
A hundred years ago, Canada had a M
inistry
of Railways and Canals and a Ministry of MINISTER – from the Latin minister, mean-
Overseas Military Forces. Why do these ing servant. This word has the same root as
WORD BUILDER
departments no longer exist? Some newer minor. Related words include administer
PRIME – from the Latin primus, meaning
departments include Environment Canada (administration, administrator) and minor
first. Here are some other words and
and Public Safety Canada. (meaning less or little).
phrases that contain prime:
DID YOU KNOW? — There is a person called the CABINET – originally, this word meant
• primary
Whip for each political party in the Senate and small room. Today, it sometimes means
• prime-time television the House of Commons. He or she makes sure that a cupboard or a piece of furniture where
Members from the party know what is going on in the
Chamber, and that they are present when there is an objects can be stored. In Parliament,
• prime number
important vote. In practice, the whips also assign each it means the group of Ministers appointed
party’s members to committees.
by the Governor General at the request of
the Prime Minister.
28The Speakers secret ballot. All questions
3 The Senate and the House of Commons during debate in the House
2
each has a Speaker. The Speaker represents of Commons are directed
his or her Chamber when dealing with the through the Speaker.
other parts of Parliament (the Monarch or Whenever a Senator or
Governor General, the Senate and the an MP enters, crosses or
1 House of Commons). Each Speaker is also leaves the Chamber, he
responsible for making sure that rules of or she bows to the Speaker’s
order are followed when his or her Chamber chair.
is sitting. Speakers must be neutral and
The Speaker of the Senate is fair. For example, the Speaker of the
appointed by the Governor General House of Commons must be pre-
on the advice of the Prime Minister, pared to enforce the same rules for the
usually for the life of the Parliament. Prime Minister as for a Member of
an opposition party. Although
the Speaker of the House of
HOUSE OF COMMONS SPEAKER’S CHAIR
Commons is an elected MP,
Look for the Speaker’s chair on page 27.
Why do you think it’s placed there? he or she does not vote on
decisions unless there is a tie.
The speakers have important
The Speaker of the Senate enforces diplomatic and social duties out-
the Senate rules (or makes sure they are side Parliament. They are often
followed) about the order of speaking and asked to represent Canada at
the length of time a Senator gets to speak. important international events
He or she also announces the result of votes. and meetings. The speakers
Electing a Speaker is the first thing the also meet and host foreign
House of Commons does when dignitaries and ambassadors.
beginning a new Parliament.
MPs choose which one of
them will be Speaker by
SECTION 4 The Business of Parliament 29ef
The Process of Passing a Bill
1 FIRST READING 4 REPORT STAGE
Any idea for a new law or a change to cur- At the Report Stage, the
Making laws is tough work.
rent law is written down. The idea is now committee reports the bill back to
Every day, something that
called a bill. The bill is printed and read in the Chamber. All parliamentarians
you do or that you touch has
the Chamber where it is introduced. can then debate it. During this
been considered by a
lawmaker. But how 2 SECOND READING stage, those who were not part of
the committee that studied the bill
does an idea get The bill is given a Second Reading in the
can suggest changes to the bill.
to be a law that Chamber where it is introduced, where
affects everyone? parliamentarians debate the idea behind 5 THIRD READING
The following shows the bill. They consider questions such as, The bill is then called for a Third
how a bill is passed “Is the idea behind the bill good?” “Does Reading. The parliamentarians
through either the House it meet people’s needs?” “Who will be debate it again. Sometimes they
of Commons or the Senate. affected by this bill?” If the Chamber can change their minds about a bill.
Cabinet Ministers and votes for the bill and it passes this stage, They might vote for it at Second
Parliamentary Secretaries typically it goes to a committee. Reading but not at Third Reading
introduce bills, but individual
parliamentarians can also introduce
3 COMMITTEE STAGE if they do not like the changes
made to the bill. If it passes
At the Committee Stage, the
bills (called Private Member’s Bills). Third Reading, the bill then
bill is studied carefully.
. goes to the other Chamber,
Committee members
DID YOU KNOW? — If a bill originates in the Senate,
where it goes through the same
hold hearings or special
the bill is identified with the letter S and given a number; stages.
for example, Bill S-4. If a Bill originates in the House of meetings where different people
Commons, it is identified with the letter C and given a inside and outside government 6 ROYAL ASSENT
number; for example, Bill C-78.
can make Once both the Senate and the
comments about the bill. House of Commons have passed the
TALK ABOUT IT! The committee can ask for bill in exactly the same wording, it is
Take a walk around your neighbourhood. government officials and experts, or given to the Governor General (or
What do you see that needs changing? witnesses, to come and answer questions. his or her appointed representative)
How can you change things, or get your The committee can suggest changes or for Royal Assent (final approval),
government to change them? Talk to amendments to the bill when it gives
dc
and it can become law.
members of your family and your friends.
What issues are important to them?
its report to the Chamber.
Approved
30If the parliamentary
Debate in Chambe A parliamentary
r committee proposes Debate and vote
Reading of the and vote on the committee examines
no amendments on the on the changed
title of the bill idea behind the the Good Idea Bill
Good Idea Bill, the report version of the
(The Good Idea Bill) Good Idea Bill line by line in
committee. stage is then skipped Good Idea Bill
A parliamentary Debate and vote
Reading of Debate and vote committee examines If the parliamentary on the changed
the Good Idea Bill on the idea of the the Good Idea Bill committee proposes no version of the
Good Idea Bill line by line in amendments on the Good Idea Bill
committee. Good Idea Bill, the report
stage is then skipped
The Good Idea Bill receives
DID YOU KNOW? — During the ceremony to receive Royal Royal Assent after being
Assent, bills that have to do with taxes and financial matters passed by both Houses
are tied with a green ribbon; all others are tied with a red one. (the Senate and the
House of Commons).
SECTION 4 The Business of Parliament 31WORD BUILDER — Both Senators and MPs On the Job with a Senator Senators take part in caucus meetings. All
work on committees. You probably have When Parliament is in session, Senators these meetings mean serious research and
committees at your school. The root of spend a lot of time in Ottawa. During the preparation.
this word comes from commit — from the week, they debate and vote on bills in the Senators also like to meet the people
Latin word committere, com- (together) and Senate Chamber. Much of their work they represent in their regions. Between
mittere (to put, or send). is done outside the Chamber, however. Chamber debates, committee work,
Senators often sit on at least two meetings and travel, they try to find time
NOUN VERB
different committees. In committee, to make public speeches and attend im-
a commitment to commit
Senators work hard to understand all portant national and international events.
a committee
details of a proposed bill: they hear Senators have many years of experience
Here are some sentences: evidence from groups and individuals in the working world. They may have had
who will be affected by the proposed prominent careers in politics, medicine,
• The Senator is busy; she has a
legislation and recommend changes. Mem- the military, law, sports, journalism, edu-
commitment this afternoon.
bers of the committees also review budgets cation or business. Their rich backgrounds
• He sits on the Human Rights and investigate issues that are important to make them experts in their fields. This
committee. Canadians, such as health care, children’s helps them make decisions about bills that
rights and official languages. Committees the Government wants to pass, or to advise
• MPs commit many hours to
also report on those issues. In addition, the Government on new or better policies.
committee work.
The prefix com- or con-, meaning
together, is a common one in English. Senate — SAMPLE CALENDAR
Write down all of the words you
can think of that start with com or
con. What do they mean? Is there
a connection?
32 SECTION 4 The Business of ParliamentA Day in the Life issue needs to be examined. MPs also spend WORD BUILDER
of a Member of Parliament time in caucus every Wednesday morning, Constituent, from the same root as con-
In addition to their work in the Chamber, where they discuss strategy and ideas for stitution, means a part of. In politics, a
MPs have many responsibilities. They are laws with the rest of the Senators and MPs constituent is a person a politician represents.
accountable (must answer) to the people from the same political party.
who voted for them. At the same time, While in their home ridings, they
they must follow their party leader. While attend events and meet with people and
Parliament is in session, MPs typically spend organizations to listen to their concerns.
Monday to Thursday in Ottawa, and Fridays At their offices in their home ridings and
and weekends in their riding, although this in Ottawa, they have a group of people
can change depending on their meeting who help them set up meetings, and prepare
schedules and on Parliament’s business. for debates and committee meetings.
When Parliament is sitting, there is a routine These researchers and administrators are
schedule to follow called the Daily Order called staff.
of Business. MPs spend a set amount of While Parliament is in session, the
time in the Chamber, in their offices and House has a daily schedule. An average
in committees. week looks like this:
Like Senators, MPs work on
committees to examine proposed House of Commons — DAILY ORDER OF BUSINESS
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
bills in detail and to investigate is- HOURS MONDAY TUESDAY
Government Orders
10:00 - 11:00
sues. They also hear witnesses and
Statements
by Members
11:00 – 11:15 Private Members’
report back to the House with their Business
Routine Proceedings
Routine Proceedi ngs oral questions
11:15 – 12:00 Caucus Meeting
findings and recommendations. 12:00 – 12:30 Government Orders
Government Orders Routine Proceedings
Government Orders
Some committees are permanent
12:30 – 1:30
Government Orders
(these are called Standing Commit- 1:30 – 2:00
Private Members’
Statements
tees), and consider very important 2:00 – 2:15
Statements
by Members
Statements
by Members
Statements
by Members by Members
Business
issues such as the environment or 2:15 – 2:30 oral questions oral questions oral questions oral questions
immigration. Other committees are 2:30 – 3:00
Routine Proceedings
formed (or struck) if a temporary
Notices of Motions
for the Production Government Orders
3:00 – 5:30 Routine Proceedings Government Orders
of Papers
Government Orders Government Orders
Private Members’ Private Members’
Private Members’
5:30 – 6:30 Business Business
Business
Adjournment Adjournment
Adjournment Adjournment
Proceedings Proceedings
33
6:30 – 7:00 Proceedings ProceedingsDID YOU KNOW?
TALK ABOUT IT!
When there is a vote in either the
The liveliest part of the day in the House of Senate or the House of Commons,
Commons is question period (also called oral bells ring and the lights blink on
and off. It is an important job to
questions), where the Government MPs must get all the parliamentarians to the
answer questions from other Members. You Chamber when a vote is called.
can watch some of question period with your The people responsible for this
task are the party whips.
class. (Question period and other House of
Commons business are shown on television
and online, as well as recorded in Hansard,
the word-for-word record of all discussion
in the House of Commons.) How
do parliamentarians
behave? Why is this
so? How can you
tell? What are
other MPs doing
while questions
are asked?
DID YOU KNOW? — If you are touring the Parliament Buildings,
you may be able to visit the Senate and the House of Commons
Chambers. When the Chambers are sitting, you may even ob-
serve from the galleries and watch democracy in action.
34THINK ABOUT IT!
Why do you think it is important for
Parliament 24/7 Canadians to have access to a record of
everything that is said in the House?
In 1977, Canadians were the first people in
the world who were able to watch live
televised broadcasts of debates and proceed-
ings in their Parliament.
Today, with modern technology, there
are many more ways to keep up with what
is happening inside Parliament. Whether
you are watching TV or browsing online,
you can see broadcasts of the Senate and
House of Commons debates, committee
work and Question Period on the Cable
Public Affairs Channel, better known
(CPAC). You can also listen to podcasts.
On the Parliament of Canada website,
there are also webcasts of proceedings in
the Senate and the House of Commons
Chambers and committees. If there is a bill
or an issue that really interests you, you can
follow every stage of that legislation on the
website. One of the cameras in the Sen
ate
chamber at the Senate of Canada
DID YOU KNOW?
Building. The Senate began
Most Senators and MPs have their own website. televising its proceedings in
Use a search engine and look up your MP or a March 2019.
Senator to see what they are doing!
SECTION 4 The Business of Parliament 35Your Capital
SEC
TION Citizens elect different people from
5 their communities to different levels
of g
overnment to make laws. These law-
makers, or politicians, meet regularly
to talk about current laws and to make
new ones. They do this in a place called
the c apital. Ottawa, the national capital of
Canada, is where federal politicians meet.
WHAT ABOUT ME?
Sometimes you may hear things like,
“Ottawa sends soldiers” or “Ottawa
makes a decision.” Of course, they do not TALK ABOUT IT!
mean the city of Ottawa; they mean the All Canadian provinces and territories have
Government of Canada. Ottawa is the capitals. Can you name them? (See answers
country’s capital. It is your capital. Look below.) What is the capital of your province
in a newspaper and notice how the word or territory? Is it the biggest city?
Ottawa is used. Is the article talking about
something that affects you or your family?
DID YOU KNOW? Whitehorse Yukon
The name Ottawa (or adawe in Algonquin) means Regina Saskatchewan
to trade and was the name given to the First Nations Quebec City Quebec
people who controlled trade along the river.
Charlottetown Prince Edward Island
Toronto Ontario
Iqaluit Nunavut
Halifax Nova Scotia
Yellowknife Northwest Territories
St. John’s Newfoundland & Labrador Something is always going on at the Parliament Buildings,
Fredericton New Brunswick even when the Senate and the House of Commons
Winnipeg Manitoba
are not sitting. Meetings, committee sessions, official
visits and receptions occur regularly, and the work of
Victoria British Columbia
researchers is constant.
Edmonton Alberta
36
CAPITAL PROVINCE/TERRITORY
SECTION 5 Your CapitalLibrary of Parliament – Mone Cheng
Why Ottawa? WORD BUILDER — Some words have two On and around Parliament Hill
Choosing a capital parts, like lawmaker (law + maker). Can Downtown Ottawa is where parliamen-
city is not easy! you think of other words that use the word tarians have their offices, make laws,
Should it be in the law or maker? and meet with advisors and citizens.
centre of the country? Should it be the The word capital comes from the Latin Parliament Hill is a gathering place for
biggest city? Who decides where a capital word caput, which means head. Capital Canadians to celebrate, protest, go on
should be? has many different meanings: very s erious tours and enjoy the scenery. In 2019,
In 1857, there were a few cities com- (capital punishment); money (capital in- Parliament underwent a big change –
peting to be the capital city. To settle it, vestment); and very important (capital Centre Block, the permanent home of the
Queen Victoria chose Ottawa because it letter, capital city). Here are some other Senate and House of Commons, closed its
was centrally located between the cities of words that come from this same root: to doors to undergo a multi-year renovation.
Montreal and Toronto, and was along the cap something; a baseball or bottle cap; During this makeover, the Senate Cham-
border of Ontario and Quebec (the centre captain; caption. ber is in the Senate of Canada Building
of Canada at the time). It was also far from The English word citizen comes from the and the House of Commons Chamber in
the American border, making it safer from Latin word civis, which means a person West Block.
attacks. who lives in a city. Other words in this
group include city, civic or civilian. Can The Fire of 1916
you think of other terms that mean the The Centre Block you see today is not
same thing as citizen? the original - the first Centre Block was
destroyed by fire in 1916. The only part
to survive was the Library of Parliament,
which had fireproof iron doors. The East
ORIGINAL CENTRE BLOCK and West Block buildings, also located
Before and after the fire of 1916. on Parliament Hill, were untouched by
the fire.
37You can also read
