Accommodations

A range of accommodations and accessibility services are available to you, whether you are visiting the House of Commons or attending proceedings.

Services for guided tours

To request or enquire about accommodations for guided tours, please contact the visitor service desk at 613-996-0896 or tours-visites@parl.gc.ca.

Accessible areas and seating

The West Block building and the Visitor Welcome Centre are accessible to visitors using mobility aids, such as a wheelchair or cane.

Accessible seating for visitors using mobility aids, such as a wheelchair or cane, can be requested at the visitor service desk. Accessible seating is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Elevators

Visitors are required to go up and down several flights of stairs during their tour. Please inform staff if you would prefer to use an elevator during your tour.

Service animals

Service animals are permitted in the West Block building and the Visitor Welcome Centre.

Sign language interpretation

Interpretation services using American Sign Language (ASL) and the "langue des signes québécoise" (LSQ) are available on demand. To request ASL or LSQ interpretation services, please contact the visitor service desk at 613-996-0896 or tours-visites@parl.gc.ca at least five days before your tour.

Services for the galleries

To request or enquire about accommodations and accessibility services for the House of Commons Galleries, please contact Galleries-Tribunes@parl.gc.ca.

Live text transcription

Communication access real-time translation (CART) provides live text transcription, allowing attendees to read a real-time transcription of spoken words and sounds during events.

CART is provided via tablets installed in designated seating areas. These tablets offer customization options, such as adjustable font type, size and colour, to enhance readability. Due to specific installation requirements, CART availability is limited to designated seats.

Note: Personal tablets and phones are not permitted in the galleries.

For more details, please call the visitor service desk at 613-996-0896 before your visit.

Sign language interpretation

ASL and LSQ interpretation services are available on demand. To request ASL or LSQ interpretation services, please contact Galleries-Tribunes@parl.gc.ca at least five days before your visit.

Sound amplification

The galleries and the committee rooms are equipped with infrared audio systems. When paired with our receiver, these systems allow you to connect a device with a 3.5 mm audio jack and amplify sound while you listen to proceedings in your preferred language.

Telecoil compatibility

For hearing aids compatible with the telecoil (or t-coil) feature, we offer wireless neckbands that transmit audio directly to your hearing aids through an induction loop system. If you are unsure whether your hearing aids support the t-coil feature, visit the manufacturer's website for more information about your hearing aids. Additionally, some hearing aids have a “T” switch to activate this feature.

T-coil technology uses magnetic fields to deliver clearer audio than the audio transmitted through traditional microphones. With our receiver and induction neckband, you can enjoy more sound clarity while listening to proceedings in your preferred language.

Note: You will also need a receiver to connect the neckband.

Accessibility or medical devices and electronics

Accessibility or medical devices and electronics must be approved before you enter the galleries. Please contact Galleries-Tribunes@parl.gc.ca for more information.

Accessible seating

Accessible seating for visitors using mobility aids, such as a wheelchair or cane, can be requested at the visitor service desk. Accessible seating is provided on a first-come, first-served basis, but reserved seating is available for visitors in wheelchairs.