Canada Guide
Ontario
Centre Block
Opening time: Guided tours when Parliament is in session: Mid-May to Aug Mon– Thurs 9am–12.50pm & 3.30–7.20pm, Fri 9.20–9.50am & 12.50–7.20pm, Sat & Sun 9am–4.20pm; Sept to mid-May Mon– Thurs 9.20am–12.50pm, Fri 9.20–9.50am & 12.50–3.20pm, Sat & Sun 9.20am–3.20pm; when parliament is not in session: mid-May to Aug Mon– Fri 9am–7.20pm, Sat & Sun 9am–4.20pm; Sept to mid-May daily 9.20am–3.20pm
Telephone: 613/239-5000
Price: Free
Centre Block, home of the Senate and the House of Commons, dominates proceedings on Parliament Hill, though it is actually a replacement for the original building, which was destroyed by fire in 1916. This second structure was supposed to be the same as its predecessor, but it ended up about twice the size. The Peace Tower, rising from the middle of the facade, was added in 1927 as a memorial to Canadians who served in World War I. Highlights of the guided tour – though itineraries do change - include a quick gambol round the House of Commons, where the Speaker's chair is made of English oak from Westminster Hall and from Nelson's flagship Victory, and the red-carpeted Senate with its murals of scenes from World War I surmounted by a beautiful gilded ceiling. At the back of the Centre Block is the Library, the only part of the building to have survived the fire of 1916; the circular design and the richly carved wooden galleries make this the most charming part of the building. The debates in both the House of Commons and the Senate are open to the public, who can observe proceedings from the visitors' galleries. Passes are required and are issued by security at the main Peace Tower entrance. Parliament's liveliest debates are held during Question Period, when the Opposition interrogates the Prime Minister; call ahead for details as to what is being debated when.