House of Commons of Canada

Canadian House of Commons 1916

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Commons-doorway

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Centre Block and Library of Parliament, Ottawa, West view 20170422 2

Commons-seats

House of Commons of Canada

The House of Commons of Canada (French: Chambre des communes du Canada) is the lower house of the Parliament of Canada, which also comprises the Monarch of Canada and the Senate of Canada. The House of Commons is a major component of the federal government's legislative branch, playing a crucial role in the creation, amendment, and repeal of laws. It is located in the Centre Block of the Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario.

Composition and Membership

The House of Commons is composed of Members of Parliament (MPs), who are elected to represent electoral districts, known as ridings, across Canada. The number of MPs is periodically adjusted to reflect changes in the population, with the current number set at 338 following the 2012 electoral redistribution. Each MP is elected through a first-past-the-post system during federal elections, which are held at least every four years.

Powers and Functions

The House of Commons holds significant powers within the Canadian parliamentary system, including the introduction and passage of legislation, particularly in areas concerning taxation and government spending. Although both the House of Commons and the Senate must pass legislation for it to become law, the House is the primary site for the initiation of legislation. The government of the day must maintain the confidence of the House of Commons and is held accountable through various mechanisms, including Question Period and committee oversight.

Procedure

Debates in the House of Commons are presided over by the Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada, who is elected by the MPs at the beginning of each new parliament. The Speaker is responsible for maintaining order during debates and ensuring that parliamentary rules are followed. The House operates according to a set of written rules, known as Standing Orders, and traditions.

Political Parties

The Canadian political landscape within the House of Commons is dominated by several major parties, including the Liberal Party of Canada, the Conservative Party of Canada, the New Democratic Party, the Bloc Québécois, and the Green Party of Canada. The party with the majority of seats typically forms the government, while the party with the second-highest number of seats becomes the Official Opposition.

History

The House of Commons was established in 1867 following the passage of the British North America Act, now known as the Constitution Act, 1867. Its role and structure were modeled after the House of Commons of the United Kingdom. Over the years, the House of Commons has evolved, reflecting changes in Canadian society and the political landscape. Significant reforms have included the introduction of women's suffrage, the expansion of the franchise, and adjustments to the electoral system and procedure.

Building

The House of Commons chamber is located in the Centre Block of Parliament Hill. This iconic building, known for its Gothic Revival architecture, was destroyed by fire in 1916 and subsequently rebuilt. The chamber is decorated with stained glass windows representing the provinces and territories, and the ceiling is adorned with intricate stonework.

See Also

• Prime Minister of Canada
• Cabinet of Canada
• Federal electoral districts of Canada
• Politics of Canada