Our Country, Our Parliament: an introduction to how Canada's Parliament worksThis ebook introduces you to Canada’s Parliament. By the time you finish this book, you will understand: • how parliamentary democracy works in Canada • how people get appointed or elected to Parliament • what Senators and MPs do • how decisions made in Parliament affect you and your community Parliament is a big place! To help you find your way around, a team of narrators have volunteered to help out.
AGES 11-17 OUR NATIONAL PARLIAMENT - THE INSIDE STORY Jane Churchill 1990 31 minAlmost all Canadians recognize the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa. But how many understand just what goes on there and how Parliament touches our lives? In Our National Parliament - The Inside Story a young parliamentary page takes us behind the scenes, acting as our guide to the inner workings of the legislative branch of government. This video shows us day-to-day life on Parliament Hill: the roles of the Prime Minister, Cabinet and opposition parties; the nuts and bolts of how a bill moves from conception, through committee and the Houses of Parliament on the way to becoming law; and the daily life of a back-bench MP.
Experierce Parliament Virtual ExperienceThe Parliament building is a landmark like no other. It is the storied seat of Canadian democracy - and a unique architectural wonder. Step inside in virtual reality, online or in the classroom, and experience a truly iconic space.
GRADES 2-8 | Parliamentary Puzzles and ActivitiesStudents will discover different aspects of Parliament through these interactive puzzles and activities. Available online and in print.
INCLUDES:
Rights and Responsibilities in the Community;
Understanding Rights and Freedoms;
Branches of Government;
Levels of Government;
Parliament and Elections;
Parliament at Work: Senate;
Parliament at Work: House of Commons;
Canadian Symbols at Parliament;
Assembling Canada
GRADES 2-8 | Bill on the HillInteractive Learning Game. Choose a bill and follow it through the legislative process, making important decisions along the way.
The Governor General of CanadaThe Governor General is a key figure in Canadian parliamentary democracy. Learn about the role and responsibilities of the Governor General in these extraordinary circumstances and how Canadians are pulling together in the face of adversity.
Monarch and Governor GeneralCanada is a constitutional monarchy. The Monarch (the King or Queen) is the Head of State, whose powers are defined by the Constitution and constitutional conventions. These responsibilities are carried out by the Governor General (the Monarch’s representative in Canada).
Key Roles in the House of CommonsIn the House of Commons Chamber, members of Parliament and other parliamentary officials do their part to support the democratic process and ensure that each sitting day runs smoothly. Symbols and objects in the chamber represent Canada’s ties to British parliamentary traditions.
Members of Parliament (MPs)Canada’s 338 members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to represent different geographic areas across the country, called constituencies or ridings. MPs voice concerns in the House of Commons on behalf of individuals living in these areas. In Parliament, MPs attend sittings in the chamber, work with other MPs in committees and participate in caucus discussions with their political parties.
Speaker of the House of CommonsThe Speaker of the House of Commons interprets and applies the rules and traditions of the House and ensures the orderly conduct of its business. The Speaker also has many administrative and diplomatic responsibilities. The Speaker is elected by the other members of Parliament.
Senate of CanadaThe Senate is the Upper House in Canada’s bicameral parliamentary democracy. It unites a diverse group of accomplished Canadians in service of their country.
Parliament’s 105 senators shape Canada’s future. Senators scrutinize legislation, suggest improvements and fix mistakes. When the Senate speaks, the House of Commons listens — a bill must pass the Senate before it can become law.
Senators also propose their own bills and generate debate about issues of national importance in the collegial environment of the Senate Chamber, where ideas are debated on their merit.
Created to counterbalance representation by population in the House of Commons, the Senate has evolved from defending regional interests to giving voice to underrepresented groups like Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities and women.
Key Roles in the SenateIn the Senate Chamber, senators and other parliamentary officials do their part to support the Senate’s work. Symbols and objects in the chamber at the Senate of Canada Building represent Canada’s ties to the Monarch and to British parliamentary traditions.
SenatorsCanada’s senators are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. They represent Canada’s provinces and territories in Parliament. Senators participate in debates in the Senate Chamber, work with other senators in committees and, when applicable, participate in discussions with their parties or parliamentary groups.
Canadian institutions and government reflect the challenge of our regional diversity (Grade 5).
Demographic changes in North America created shifts in economic and political power (Grade 4).
