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Inside Canada's Parliament
Version française

  Welcome
  Preface
  Introduction
  The Foundations
  The Institutions
  The Work
  Continuing Traditions
  For more info.
  Print copy (pdf)
Introduction
Inside Canada’s Parliament:  An Introduction to How the Canadian Parliament Works was commissioned by the Senate, the House of Commons and the Library of Parliament to provide those interested in Parliament — including members of the public, teachers, business people and parliamentarians from both here and abroad — with an introduction to the Canadian system.  The information in this guide is intended to provide key facts about Parliament and, at the same time, capture its spirit and give readers some insight into how the work of Parliament actually gets done, and by whom. 

The Foundations, gives an overview of the Canadian parliamentary system, including the history, geography and social diversity that have helped shape Parliament.  It outlines three “pillars” which support Parliament: representativeness, responsibility and accountability. 

The Institutions, provides the reader with an overview of the three parliamentary institutions — the Crown, the Senate and the House of Commons.  The role of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet is also explored, as is the wider context of Parliament — including its relationship to government departments and the courts, and the support provided by Parliament’s administration, information and research bodies.

The Work, examines the daily activities of parliamentarians and the many roles they play — as representatives of their constituents or interest groups, as legislators, as investigators, and as watchdogs of the Government.  An overview of the legislative process shows how laws are made, and a “behind-the-scenes” look at the roles played by administrative and professional staff — in the Senate, in the House of Commons and in the Library of Parliament — reveals how Parliament’s employees contribute to its daily workings.

Continuing Traditions, highlights the fine balance between Parliament’s traditions and modern practices, and the “living”, evolving nature of the Canadian system.  While it is steeped in tradition and history, Parliament is also adaptable and flexible, reflecting the changing values of Canadians and the country’s social and economic climate.

A glossary of terms used in this publication, and other resources about Parliament, are available on the Internet at http://www.parl.gc.ca.


© Library of Parliament - November 2002