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The House of Commons is one of three constituent elements of the Parliament of Canada.[112] The other two elements are the Senate and the Sovereign, represented in Canada by the Governor General. The House of Commons is not a department of the Government of Canada, although its administrative structure may be described as generally comparable to that of a government department. One of the privileges of the House is its right to independent regulation of its own internal affairs.[113] The House may voluntarily adopt the administrative policies of the government as its own, but it cannot be compelled to do so, and it is also free to develop new policies and practices.[114] The House Administration exists to support the activities of Members individually and collectively in their various roles as legislators in the House and in committees, as representatives of their constituents, and as members of their respective party caucuses. As well as serving Members elected for the duration of a Parliament, the Administration also serves the House as an institution. In 1964, the administrative structure of the House of Commons was the subject of an important review which noted significant changes in the nature, volume and complexity of House services and recommended an administrative reorganization.[115] The origins of the modern administrative structure of the House may be traced to a major comprehensive audit carried out by the Auditor General in 1979 and 1980. In 1978, wishing to support a program of expenditure restraint undertaken by the government, Speaker Jerome asked the Standing Committee on Management and Members’ Services to suggest possible economy measures for the House.[116] Out of this came a recommendation from the Committee for a complete and independent review of the administration of the House.[117] At the Speaker’s request, the Auditor General reviewed the administration of the House of Commons, submitting an interim report in October 1979 and a final report early in 1981.[118] The Auditor General noted that services to Members were of high quality; however, fundamental weaknesses and a number of significant deficiencies were identified.[119] These findings led to a major realignment of the administrative structure of the House, which has continued to evolve to meet changing circumstances and demands. Another comprehensive audit undertaken by the Auditor General in 1990‑91 found a greatly improved quality of general and financial administration.[120] The administrative structure of the House is not set out in any single text or piece of legislation. The organization required to support the activities of the House has evolved and developed over the years in response to the needs of an increasingly complex system of government. Provisions for various aspects of the administration are found in legislation,[121] the Standing Orders,[122] by‑laws made by the Board of Internal Economy, internal policy manuals and in the unwritten practices developed over time.
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