6. The Physical and Administrative Setting

    Location and Disposition

Figure 6.1    Parliament Hill

Title, Management, Care and Control

    The Centre Block

Figure 6.2    Floor Plan of the Centre Block

    Peace Tower

    Library of Parliament

Figure 6.3    The House of Commons Chamber

    Seating

    The Chair

    The Table

    The Mace

    The Bar of the House

    The Galleries

Strangers

Disorder in the Galleries

    Lobbies

    Sound Reinforcement, Simultaneous Interpretation, and Broadcasting Systems

Provision for Still Photography

    Other Uses of the Chamber

    Overall Authority of the Speaker

    Board of Internal Economy

Membership

Chair

Mandate and Authority

By-laws and Decisions of the Board

    Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs

    Office of the Clerk of the House

There is no such thing as a bad seat in the House of Commons.

Speaker Gilbert Parent

(Debates, September 30, 1998, p. 8585)

While the House of Commons conducts its business in accordance with established procedures and practices, it does so in its own unique physical setting and under administrative structures of its own making. These two factors are an important backdrop to the procedural operations of the House. This chapter provides information about Ottawa as the seat of government, the Parliament Buildings, the House of Commons Chamber and the administrative framework through which are provided an array of facilities and services dedicated to the operations of the House and the needs of its Members.