The federal legislature of Canada, located on what is now known as “Parliament Hill”, was established in 1867 uniting the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Canada (Quebec and Ontario). Originally a limestone outcrop covered by a primeval forest, the “Hill” for hundreds of centuries served as a landmark along the banks of the Ottawa river for First Nation native tribes. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Hill, then known as “Barracks Hill”, was the site of a military base. When Queen Victoria, in 1858, selected Ottawa to be the capital of the Province of Canada, the Hill evolved into a government precinct. Today, the three buildings atop Parliament Hill house the offices and meeting halls of the Canadian Government. Divided into three parts, the federal legislature of Canada is composed of the Monarch (represented by the Governor General appointed by the Queen), the Senate ( all 105 members being appointed by the Governor General upon the advice of the Prime Minister), and the House of Commons (all 338 members being elected by the people of Canada). While tours of the “Center Block” building have been available to the general public, it should be noted that beginning in the Fall of 2017, all three buildings will be closed for several years due to extensive renovation projects. We were fortunate to be able to tour Parliament before this closure occurred.
The Centre Block building is the main structure of the Canadian Parliamentary complex. Officially opened in 1866, and dominated by the central Peace Bell Tower, the building is home to the Canadian Senate and House of Commons.
A devastating fire in 1916, destroyed the building except for the Library of Parliament...
...which was saved by the closing of the heavy metal doors at the entrance of the library.
During our tour of Parliament, we were fortunate to see part of the Senate in action. All 105 members are appointed by the Governor General upon advice from the Prime Minister.
The 338 members of the House of Commons on the other hand are elected by the people of Canada.
Within the central tower is the “Memorial Chamber” dedicated to those Canadians who lost their lives during the “Great War” in France and Flanders.
A short ride to the top of the tower provides some excellent views of the Ottawa river...
...and the city.
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