House of Commons

Today we celebrate International Francophonie Day. Canada is one of 77 members of the International Organisation of La Francophonie, celebrating the French language and diverse French-speaking cultures across the globe. Check out our French account @NosCommunes!

Can’t make it in person to visit the House of Commons? Take this 360° virtual tour of the Chamber and learn about many points of interest: ow.ly/PRbm50Yt8m8

2/2 The lower, wooden brackets are where the Mace rests during the Committee of the Whole. Find out more: ow.ly/24Gq50Yt8j5

1/2 Have you ever wondered why there are two sets of brackets at the end of the Clerk’s table in the House of Commons Chamber? The brass ones resting on the table hold the Mace during regular House sessions. ⬇️

Enjoy this archival recording of “Celtic Suite: Allegro,” performed on the Peace Tower Carillon by guest artist George Matthew.☘️ ow.ly/5zWX50Ypj6Y

The 341st birthday of German composer Johann Sebastian Bach is this week. Enjoy “Toccata in D minor,” played on the carillon by guest artist Geert D’hollander. ow.ly/XaQi50YpiXt

The #HoC is hiring. • Assistant Finishing Operator (Commercial Printing) Find out more: ow.ly/xTp250Q5cfN #Ottawa #Gatineau

This archival photo is a close-up of a stone gargoyle from the Parliament Building seen before installation, offering rare insight into its construction. There’s a person standing behind it, indicating its scale.

The Board of Internal Economy is meeting today at 11:30 a.m. The agenda can be found here: ow.ly/tLW650TGaXk #BOIE #HoC #CdnPoli

Answer: The crown at the top of the HoC Mace is Tudor. The Tudor Crown dates back to the 16th century and the Tudor monarchs of England.

#ParliamentTrivia What style of crown is at the top of the House of Commons Mace?

The Board of Internal Economy has scheduled a hybrid meeting for tomorrow, March 12. View the meeting notice: ow.ly/9RrU50TG9lO #BOIE #HoC #CdnPoli

This portrait is of the Hon. Edgar Nelson Rhodes, who was Speaker of the House of Commons from 1917 to 1921. The chair he used during his time as Speaker is now used in West Block’s interim Chamber.

Today is Commonwealth Day! As one of the 56 member countries, Canada is part of a global community dedicated to promoting democracy, peace, human rights, and sustainable development. 🌍

What does it take to be a woman working at the House of Commons? #InternationalWomensDay

Early March brings one of the first signs of spring in the region: the start of sugar bush season. Enjoy Dominion Carillonneur Andrea McCrady’s rendition of “Love and Maple Syrup” by famed Canadian Gordon Lightfoot.

For years, Ottawa was a lumber town. Loggers would work through brutal winters, then the snowmelt in spring would bring the dangerous log drives. Logs are floating past Parliament in this photo taken around 1882.

#ParliamentBasics An allotted day, or opposition day, is a day when a recognized opposition party determines the topic of debate. There are 22 such days per year, usually divided among the recognized opposition parties based on their number of seats in the HoC.

1/2 Applications for the 2026 Centennial Flame Research Award are now being accepted. The #HoC #HUMA Committee invites Canadians with disabilities to apply by May 1: ow.ly/QneN50Yo6qP

150 years ago today, the Library of Parliament building first opened its doors. Steadfast through fire and transformation, it stands as a powerful symbol of Canadian parliamentary democracy. Today, we celebrate its legacy. #LibraryParl150