Parliament is the heart of Canadian
democracy and the center of federal decision-making.
Within these walls our
representatives in the Senate and
the House of Commons pass laws 
that affect each one of us.
We are in Confederation Hall, the main
entrance to the iconic Center Block.
This space celebrates the creation of 
Canada as a country
and its growth in the years that followed.
The walls surrounding us
are alive with symbols of the land we live in.
Can you find a reflection of yourself?
A flower, an animal, an emblem?
Look beyond these walls into 
the Hall of Honor,
a busy highway that runs through 
the middle of Center block.
Every sitting day at Parliament begins
here, as the speakers of the Senate and
the House of Commons lead staff toward
their chambers.
These processions are a 
parliamentary tradition.
They signal the importance of the debates and discussions to come.
In the House of Commons foyer,  the work
of Members of Parliament is brought to light.
We are standing in the middle of a
group of journalists.
This is called a media scrum.
Here, the press circles parliamentarians,
jostling for the opportunity to ask difficult questions.
Answers are reported across the country,
making Parliament transparent to all Canadians.
When the camera's lights 
shine on the issues of the day,
we all see more clearly.
What would you ask if you got the chance?
This is the House of Commons, 
a chamber of debate and decision.
A place where each Canadian is
represented.
A room full of voices.
Here, Members of Parliament speak with
passion and authority on behalf of their constituents.
Each sitting day, voices rise in debate
as the Government, led by the Prime Minister,
meets the opposition face to face.
Speeches are delivered, votes are held, 
and answers are demanded.
The speaker oversees this work,
guiding the House through its 
deliberations and maintaining order.
Can you hear the echo of the voices of the past?
For more than 150 years, the House of
Commons has borne witness
to decisions that have shaped Canada.
It has been and continues to be the stage
for impassioned speeches, heated debates,
and the consideration of countless bills.
The work of this chamber affects all of us.
And, because we choose who represents us, 
our thoughts, perspectives,
and opinions influence the decisions made here.
The Library of Parliament is a world of
knowledge within a room.
In front of us stands a young Queen Victoria.
Carved out of a single 
block of white marble,
she stands at the centre 
of an architectural wonder.
A towering dome, flowers 
and animals carved in white pine.
A floor like a jigsaw puzzle.
And so many books.
This Library stands as a physical
reminder of the resilience of Parliament.
On a cold February night over 
a hundred years ago,
fire was consuming Center Block.
Flames crept just outside 
the Library's main entrance.
To stop the blaze from spreading to 
the Library,
it's solid iron doors were shut tight
while firefighters fought hard to contain the flames.
Ultimately, when the rubble was cleared,
the Library was left standing alone.
The only remaining part of the 
original building.
But fire did not stop the work of Parliament.
The very next day,
parliamentarians assembled nearby
to resume work and plan the reconstruction.
This is the Senate Foyer.
With its portraits of kings and queens,
it reflects our system of governance.
Canada is a constitutional monarchy.
This means the Constitution is 
the highest law of our land,
and the Monarch is our Head of State.
The Monarch is represented by 
the Governor General.
He or she calls elections, opens Parliament, 
and signs bills into law.
These actions enable the work of
Parliament, for you and all Canadians.
We are in the Senate, a chamber of 
review and inquiry.
Like the House of Commons, 
it is a place where bills
are proposed, debated, and voted on.
No bill can become law until 
it has the approval of both chambers.
The Speaker of the Senate facilitates 
chamber business and maintains order.
But the work of the Senate goes beyond 
debates in the chamber.
Senators meet with Canadians regularly
to hear their views on bills
and issues that could affect them
or their communities.
We are all invited to share our ideas,
advice, and opinions with them.
In this way, a diversity of voices
can be heard at Parliament.
How do you make yourself heard?
Canada's Senators come from 
many different backgrounds.
They are leaders in business, education, art, 
Indigenous affairs and countless other fields.
This gives them a unique perspective on
the issues before Parliament.
Each Senator is chosen to represent a
province territory or region.
From coast to coast to coast, 
from all walks of life,
they give voice to the interests of Canadians.
Rising above Center Block is the iconic
Peace Tower, with its chorus of bells.
Here, in this landmark of democracy,
we can reflect on the debates, 
decisions, and moments
that have shaped Canada's
Parliament.
The bells ring out
echoing  the voices of the past,
voices of those who have contributed to 
the laws that guide our country.
Monarchs and Governors General,
members of the Senate and 
the House of Commons,
people across the country.
We all have a role to play in our democracy.
What will your role be?
