Senators agree to new plans for offices when East Block emptied
Senators agreed to a new plan for an interim home for their offices when East Block is closed and emptied for upgrades, which could include new buildings along the Wellington Street block. Thirteen years ago, the long-term plan was very different, with Senators expected to work in Centre Block, East Block, and a third Parliament […]
Leading by example to ensure a safer parliamentary workplace
OTTAWA—Bill C-65, our government’s groundbreaking legislation on workplace harassment and violence prevention, received royal assent in October 2018. We were able to get here quickly thanks to support from all parties. The legislation is a key part of a much-needed culture shift. It shows Canadians that we will not tolerate harassment or violence of any […]
Remains of old barracks, guardhouse focus of ‘significant’ archaeological dig on Parliament Hill
Two “significant” archaeological digs are ongoing east of the Centre Block building, focused on the remains of an old barracks building and a guardhouse that at one point served as Bytown’s first and only jail, uncovered ahead of the official start of renovations on Parliament Hill’s centrepiece building. “We found some interesting things. So, right […]
‘Unprecedented’ technical challenge to Centre Block renos means losing familiar spaces, says PSPC
Although the hope is that when Centre Block reopens after years of renovation work it will look as similar as possible to before it shut its doors, there will be some significant changes, Senators were told recently. The necessary upgrades to bring the historic Parliament Hill centrepiece into the 21st century will require losing a […]
Indigenous Services Minister O’Regan needs a new comms team after two recent exits
Further staffing changes are in the works in Indigenous Services Minister Seamus O’Regan’s office after the recent departure of two staffers, press secretary Rachel Rappaport and director of issues management and media relations Andrew MacKendrick. Both marked their last day in the minister’s office on April 5. Ms. Rappaport and Mr. MacKendrick both began working […]
Design plans for Centre Block’s big renovation to be finalized in 2022, say House officials
Canada’s iconic Centre Block building was emptied for construction about two months ago, but a final design for the building’s renovation won’t be finalized until January 2022, Parliamentarians recently learned. Since MPs, Senators, and staff finished clearing out of the Centre Block in January, workers have been busy decommissioning the building and conducting investigations—prying into […]
Name caucus reps to get MP input on Centre Block rehab, says Board of Internal Economy
MPs weren’t consulted enough in the planning process for the renovation of the West Block, say House of Commons administrative staff, who welcomed the idea of a working group of Parliamentarians tasked with giving feedback to avoid pitfalls in the upcoming revamp of Centre Block. Michel Patrice, the House deputy clerk of administration, told the […]
Horseshoe shape proven lucky for reduced partisanship in parallel U.K. Chamber, House Affairs Committee hears
The shape of a secondary House of Commons Chamber should be considered if Canada is to build one, former United Kingdom House clerk David Natzler told the Procedure and House Affairs Committee, saying the design of the British space seems to bring a more informal and less partisan tone. Established 20 years ago, the U.K.’s […]
Security boosts rankle some Senators as they adapt to new building
The new Senate of Canada Building may be an “architectural gem,” but there were still a few lumps of coal to be sifted out last week as Senators returned from their winter break to the Upper Chamber’s new temporary home. Senators came back Feb. 19 for their first sitting in the new Chamber in the […]
West Block’s a billion-dollar beauty, but MPs, staffers say new Chamber has some kinks to iron out
When rookie Conservative MP Tom Kmiec stood up in the newly-renovated House Chamber in the West Block on Jan. 30 to present two petitions, he said he had some trouble catching House Speaker Geoff Regan’s eye. The lighting was too bright. “That’s the thing you notice first, the LED lights are aimed at us, they’re […]
