‘It’s our workplace and our home,’ Parliamentarians to be consulted on massive renovations to iconic Centre Block over next decade
House Speaker Geoff Regan and other officials in charge of the Centre Block building’s renovation say Parliamentarians will be consulted on the design of the building, but a formal structure for such consultations has yet to be figured out as the iconic building closes for more than a decade. Members of the Procedure and House Affairs […]
The House is home for so many in Ottawa
OTTAWA—The first time I went to Parliament Hill, I got lost. It was September 1972, and I had just arrived from Montreal to study at the University of Ottawa. I was so mesmerized by the Peace Tower that I just followed my nose through the streets until I got there. When I did, I realized […]
It’s ‘forever redefining itself’: Centre Block closes to mark new era, House curator looks after 6,000 heritage assets
House of Commons curator Johanna Mizgala is in what she’s calling an “anticipatory grieving phase.” In a few weeks’ time, Centre Block will cease to be the hive of federal legislative activity that it’s been for the past 150 years to make way for the decade-long renovation. The Parliament Building was destroyed by fire in […]
Centre Block will be transformed into a modern, functional space to serve Canadians for generations to come
PARLIAMENT HILL—When I was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Halifax West in 1993, and I still recall the awe that I felt as I walked up the steps to the Parliament Building and looked up at the soaring Peace Tower, topped with the fluttering Maple Leaf Flag, gargoyles seeming to leap from […]
End of an era: reporters say goodbye to the Hot Room as Centre Block closes for the next decade
Before the two broke the explosive story of the robocalls scandal in February 2012, then Postmedia reporter Stephen Maher and Ottawa Citizen reporter Glen McGregor would work in 350-N of Centre Block, also known as the Hot Room, chipping away at a story that would eventually win them a prestigious Michener Award. While the Hot […]
More than eight kilometres of shelf run and one service elevator: inside the Library of Parliament’s move out of Centre Block
Moving books out of the Library of Parliament in the Centre Block building is a lot harder than it may seem, and not only because of the sheer volume of its collection, which includes more than 600,000 books. With 8.7 kilometres of shelf run and only one service elevator to transport those books, many of […]
More than 50 years later, PPS constable honours family’s place in Canadian history
Standing in front of the portrait of former prime minister Robert Borden in the House of Commons foyer, Parliamentary Protective Service Const. Janet Asselin was photographed in the same spot her father and uncle were pictured as the Pearson-era MPs celebrated Canada’s new flag in 1965. ‘Standing here at the same place my father and […]
‘I think I’m having withdrawal pains already’: Centre Block’s denizens prepare for the big, historic, and emotional move
Packing for any move can be a meticulous thing. Piles of papers and books and memories have to be sorted through, deciding what to take and what to toss. Artwork and furniture has to be carefully catalogued and wrapped, ensuring precious items arrive safely in new homes. It’s much the same for the remaining occupants […]
The Hill’s Memorial Chamber, a space of reverence
When the original Parliament Building was destroyed in the fire of 1916, Canada was in the midst of the First World War. Construction of the new Parliament Building began almost immediately, and its architect, John A. Pearson, designed it to be a call to parliamentarians to remember that in a time of war they had […]
Lewis authors new book, Power, Prime Ministers and the Press: The Battle for Truth on Parliament Hill
Former Maclean’s magazine editor and parliamentary correspondent Robert Lewis has a new book out, Power, Prime Ministers and the Press: The Battle for Truth on Parliament Hill. Published by Dundurn, Mr. Lewis’ 375-page book explores the rich history of the Parliamentary Press Gallery, which dates back to before Confederation and has covered 23 prime ministers and […]
