Role of the House of Commons

These resources will provide you with information about the role of the House of Commons as well as its structure and functions.

Websites:

Parliament of Canada
Provides current and historical information about the House of Commons, as well as Webcasts of Chamber proceedings. Includes:

• Guide to the Canadian House of Commons
• How Canadians Govern Themselves
• Inside Canada’s Parliament

Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC)
Provides CPAC’s entire television schedule live online, including the Commons debates and some Senate committee meetings.  Podcasts of selected CPAC programming are also available.

Canada Site
Government of Canada
Provides access to information about Canada and the Government of Canada, including:

• Structure of the Government of Canada, which provides links to information about the structure and workings of the Government of Canada, including the House of Commons and the Senate.

Canadian Government Information
Library and Archives Canada
Selective collection of Internet sources for governmental information. Includes links to Canadian government websites and key federal documents.

Canadians and Their Government: A Resource Guide
Canadian Heritage
A resource guide containing ready-to-use material for various types of learning environments. Provides a comprehensive and concise explanation of how Canada has developed, and continues to develop, as a strong democratic country.

Historica: The Canadian Encyclopedia Online
Contains useful and informative entries on the House of Commons, the Senate, Political Participation (including information about voter turnout), the Party System (including the roles of political parties), Elections and the Electoral System (including electoral reform.)

Books:

Bejermi, John.  How Parliament Works.  Ottawa: Borealis Press Limited, 2000.

Fraser, John A.  The House of Commons at Work.  Montreal: Les Éditions de la Chenelière inc., 1993.

Jackson, Robert J. and Doreen Jackson.  Politics in Canada: Culture, Institutions, Behaviour and Public Policy, 5th ed.  Toronto: Prentice Hall, 2001