Canadian Parliamentary Review – La Revue parlementaire canadienne
Canadian Commonwealth Association – L’ Association parlementaire du Commonwealth
Look up! Look way up in Ontario’s legislative chamber and you’ll be able to marvel at some magnificent chandeliers dating back to the 1890s. Tracing changes from gasoline to electricity, to more modern considerations such as broadcast requirements and energy efficient LED bulbs, the author shines a light on this interesting aspect of parliamentary history.
To honour Canada’s development and prevent rewriting of history, by tradition stone carvings or sculptures are never removed from the country’s Parliament buildings once placed there. There is a single known exception – a Canadian coat of arms was removed to make room for representation of the country’s newest territory.
A strange piece of material from an historic trip through central and southern Alberta by members of the province’s first legislature, staff and others has found its way back to the legislature more than 100 years after it was produced – antique tea stains still intact.
The focal point of Ontario Legislative Chamber, the Speaker’s Chair is a symbol of authority that also has a very practical function for its occupants.
In keeping with the motto Je me souviens, the Parliament Building of Québec is like an open book, presenting us with a gallery of illustrious historical figures.
The Parliament Building is a fitting tribute to the women and men who shaped the history of Québec. Engraved on the wainscotting inside the building are the names of 84 historical figures.
Continue reading “Sketches of Parliament and Parliamentarians Past Vol 39 No 2”
Most remembered today for his leadership ambitions and signature programs from ministries he led, Martin was widely regarded as a strong parliamentarian and a ‘good House of Commons man’ in both government and opposition.
Canada’s historic Confederation Table has returned to the province of Quebec for the first time in more than 100 years for a special exhibit – but its home is now Saskatchewan.
This article examines how the proceedings of Nova Scotia’s Legislative Council became open to the public and provides answers to a well-known legend in Province House.
The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia has had a track star, a football player, a social worker, a piano player and a nightclub owner… all rolled into one individual. Former MLA and Speaker of the House, Emery Barnes, was a man of great stature – a gentleman and a gentle giant.
This column is the first of a regular series of historical vignettes exploring Canadian parliamentary traditions, legislators and legislative buildings. Drawing on the knowledge of an established network of Canadian parliamentary librarians and researchers, we also welcome reader suggestions or questions about interesting parliamentary curiosities of the past and particular parliamentary quirks which could become the basis of future columns. Please contact revparl@ontla.ola.org.
In each Canadian capital many people take great pride in a building that symbolizes parliamentary democracy and government. Legislative buildings attract tourists, lobbyists, school children and demonstrators. People come to them to learn, to influence, and to take in the special ambience of a place where their elected representatives make decisions affecting them all. They also, at times, come to protest.
Continue reading “Sketches of Parliament and Parliamentarians Past Vol 38 No 1”