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Public Galleries
When the Senate and/or the House of Commons are sitting, visitors
may watch the proceedings from the public galleries (subject to space
availability). In the galleries, an audio guide on the handsets provides
information about the key players in each Chamber, the art and architecture
and the daily orders of business.
Question Period
- Question period only occurs when the Senate and/or the House of
Commons are sitting.
- Consult the Senate
calendar and House
of Commons calendar to determine the scheduled sitting days
for both Chambers.
How do I gain access to Question Period?
Senate
Visitors wishing to attend the Senate public galleries should advise
security staff at the Visitor Welcome Centre (VWC). If the VWC is
closed, visitors may be re-directed to the Senate Main Entrance on
the East side of the Centre Block.
Seats in the public galleries are allocated on a first-come, first-served
basis.
Visitors who are mobility impaired shall be escorted to the galleries
by security staff using the nearest elevator.
House of Commons
Groups of 10 individuals or more may reserve seats
in the public galleries in advance through a Member of Parliament’s
office.
Individuals may make arrangements through their
Member of Parliament to request a seat in the Member’s galleries
facing their Member of Parliament. Seating in these galleries is limited
so seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Overflow
of individuals with Member’s passes are directed to the remaining
seats in the public galleries.
Remaining seats in the public galleries are allocated
on a first-come, first-served basis to individuals who arrive without
reservations or a gallery pass.
What are the rules in the public
galleries?
Senate galleries
- You are required to go through security scanning stations before
entering the galleries.
- Cameras, binoculars, tape recorders, communication or electronic
devices, parcels, briefcases, overcoats, umbrellas, bags, and all
other objects deemed to be safety issues are forbidden in the galleries.
All such items must be checked at the cloakroom located near the
entrance of the South Gallery.
- Visitors may bring their purse or handbag into the Gallery provided
they are willing to let the security member on duty examine its
contents.
Gallery decorum
- Visitors must be dressed appropriately (i.e. footwear must be
worn) and men must remove their hats in the galleries. Wearing recognized
traditional dress (native or religious) is permitted.
- Participating in any form of demonstration, such as applauding
or displaying political messages (ie. placards or clothing), or
engaging in any activity that may interrupt or disturb the proceedings
of the Senate, such as standing or speaking loudly, is prohibited.
- Visitors are not allowed to read, write, stand or carry on conversations
during the debates.
- Visitors are asked not to leave or enter the galleries when a
vote is in progress.
- Visitors must stand when the Speaker enters or leaves the Chamber.
House of Commons galleries
- Upon arrival, you will be directed to the Rotunda, where you may
be asked to wait until seating is available.
- You are required to go through security scanning stations before
entering the galleries.
- Cameras, binoculars, tape recorders, parcels, briefcases, top
coats, umbrellas and all other objects except purses are forbidden
in the galleries. All such items must be checked (at no charge)
at the checkrooms located at the entrances to the galleries.
- At minimum, visitors must wear casual dress and footwear.
Gallery Decorum
- Participating in any form of demonstration is prohibited, including
applauding or wearing clothing with visible political messages.
- Visitors are not allowed to read, write, stand or carry on conversations
during the debates.
- Visitors are not allowed to lean over railings or place any articles
on them.
- Visitors are asked not to leave or enter the galleries when a
vote is in progress.
- When the House adjourns, visitors are asked to remain seated until
the Speaker has left the Chamber.
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Question Period times
Applicable only when the Senate and/or the House
of Commons are sitting
Senate
Tuesday to Thursday
time varies
House of Commons
Monday to Thursday
2:15 pm to 3:00 pm
Friday
11:15 am to 12:00 pm
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