Parliament (Un)plugged: Virtual Practices and Procedures Across Canadian Jurisdictions

This entry is part 4 of 10 in the series Vol 48 No. 1 (Spring)

Parliament (Un)plugged: Virtual Practices and Procedures Across Canadian Jurisdictions

Beyond the immediate public health impacts, the COVID-19 pandemic challenged parliaments and parliamentarians to consider new measures to fulfil their parliamentary responsibilities. Introducing virtual practices in chambers across Canada provided opportunities to consider how these technologies could sustain, but also adapt, the functions of legislative bodies: to legislate, debate, scrutinize, and represent. In light of these changes to procedures across Canada, it is important to document how different jurisdictions have modified their practices to utilize virtual communication technologies. This article outlines what virtual practices were implemented during and following the pandemic across Canada in many provincial and territorial legislatures, as well as the House of Commons and Senate of Canada.

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The History of Ontario’s Legislative Research Office

This entry is part 5 of 10 in the series Vol 48 No. 1 (Spring)

The History of Ontario’s Legislative Research Office

With parliamentarians—particularly backbenchers—looking for more support in fulfilling their responsibilities to constituents as well as in lawmaking and oversight of government, demand for library research grew. Soon, it became apparent that a non-partisan research bureau focused on the needs of individual MPPs and legislative committees was the best path forward. In this article, the author examines the evolution of Ontario’s Legislative Research office.

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Canadian Study of Parliament Group Seminar: Parliament and the Media

This entry is part 6 of 10 in the series Vol 48 No. 1 (Spring)

Canadian Study of Parliament Group Seminar: Parliament and the Media

The media landscape is changing rapidly as Canadians obtain their news and information in ways one couldn’t conceive of just a few years ago. The relationship between Parliament and the media is also evolving, as parliamentarians leverage social media and other direct communications tools. On February 21, 2025, the Canadian Study of Parliament Group held a seminar to explore the relationship between Parliament and the media – past, present, and future.

Adam Lauzon

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To Annex or to Be Annexed? BC Parliamentarians Consider Joining Canada… And Bringing Some American States Along With Them

This entry is part 10 of 10 in the series Vol 48 No. 1 (Spring)

To Annex or to Be Annexed? BC Parliamentarians Consider Joining Canada… And Bringing Some American States Along With Them

In 1870, some plucky parliamentarians suggested that Canada should extend its borders a little at the expense of its powerful neighbour. Hilarity – and controversy – ensued.

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Constituency Office Business Continuity Planning: Alberta MLAs and Staff Share Stories From Wildfire Evacuations

This entry is part 11 of 11 in the series Vol. 47 No. 4 (Winter)

Constituency Office Business Continuity Planning: Alberta MLAs and Staff Share Stories From Wildfire Evacuations

The Canadian Scene

This entry is part 9 of 11 in the series Vol. 47 No. 4 (Winter)

The Canadian Scene

New Nova Scotia Speaker

Danielle Barkhouse (MLA for Chester- St. Margaret’s) was elected Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia on September 5, 2024 over Lisa Lachance (Halifax Citadel-Sable Island) and Rafah DiCostanzo (Clayton Park West).

Speaker Barkhouse had served as Deputy Speaker since November 3, 2022.

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Members of Parliament Feel Safer In Ottawa Than In Their Own Constituencies. Why?

This entry is part 8 of 11 in the series Vol. 47 No. 4 (Winter)

Members of Parliament Feel Safer In Ottawa Than In Their Own Constituencies. Why?

International Perspectives On Constituency Office Safety

This entry is part 7 of 11 in the series Vol. 47 No. 4 (Winter)

International Perspectives On Constituency Office Safety

After a decades-long political career in the United Kingdom, on January 31, 2024, Conservative Member of Parliament Mike Freer announced he would not be running for re-election. In his announcement, which came five weeks after the firebombing of his constituency office, Freer cited ongoing threats to his personal safety as precipitating his departure. In this interview, Freer recounts the events that led up to his early political retirement, outlines some of the personal security precautions he employed while a high-profile target, and offers advice to Canadian parliamentarians who are concerned about their personal safety in their homes, constituencies, and constituency offices.

Interview with Mike Freer

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Security Measures In Riding Offices: Responsibilities And Challenges

This entry is part 6 of 11 in the series Vol. 47 No. 4 (Winter)

Security Measures In Riding Offices: Responsibilities And Challenges

In response to an increase in the number and seriousness of threats directed against elected officials, Quebec’s Assemblée nationale mandated its security directorate to enhance protective measures both in the parliamentary precinct and in the province’s 161 main and satellite riding offices. In this article, the author outlines how the directorate’s advice, security screening, and the introduction of new physical infrastructure have assisted the Assemblée nationale’s goal of strengthening its security culture.

Nathalie Roy

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Consistent Constituency Offices: The Case For Minimum Standards Of Records Management and Maintenance

This entry is part 5 of 11 in the series Vol. 47 No. 4 (Winter)

Consistent Constituency Offices: The Case For Minimum Standards Of Records Management and Maintenance

When a parliamentarian is defeated, retires, or otherwise creates a vacancy, what happens to their constituent case files? Are they shredded? Transferred to the next parliamentarian? Returned to the constituent? Stored someplace for an indeterminate period? Who gets to decide where these documents and this information goes? Parliamentarians who may experience partisan control while in their legislatures tend to have greater independence and freedom to manage constituency matters that come through their office. But this freedom can create havoc for constituents and tie up limited resources if their successor must rebuild the file from scratch. Establishing minimum requirements for constituent records management and maintenance can provide a sense of stability, continuity, and institutional memory when there is turnover of elected officials. In this article, the author explains why the current independent business model of constituency offices ought to be replaced by a regulated professional model that better serves the interests of constituents while still protecting a parliamentarian’s independence and ability to innovate or customise service delivery.

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