CANADIAN PARLIAMENT

Parliament officially opened its doors in 1867 with the coming into force of the British North America Act, marking Canada's independence from the British Empire. The Dominion of Canada was founded, bringing together the United Province of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The new Parliament was composed of the Queen of England (represented by the Governor General), the Senate and the House of Commons. It was not until 1982, however, that the British Parliament's power to legislate for Canada was repealed, thus repatriating the Constitution of Canada(Canada Act 1982).

Parliament Hill is home to the three superb Gothic federal government buildings. The largest, in the center, usually houses the Senate and the House of Commons. However, with major restoration work underway in the Centre Block until 2030-31, the House of Commons has moved to the West Block and the Senate to the former Ottawa train station on Rideau Street. At 10 a.m. in summer, the changing of the guard is performed with the seriousness befitting this strange and unchanging ceremonial. A new immersive tour of Parliament (211 Sparks Street) highlights the architecture of the buildings and helps visitors understand the division of powers between Canada's various institutions. A highly enriching experience (free of charge), not to be missed!