Parliament Hill in Ottawa

I was fortunate to not only tour the Parliament Building in Ottawa but also to observe Question Period recently.  I arrived and proceeded to the tour entrance just down and around the corner from where the Members enter.  I do find it a bit odd that guests including Canadian citizens go into our parliament buildings through a side and partially hidden entrance not through the front door which is limited to members only - you are also required to exit the building through a similar doorway on the opposite side.  I am going to guess or hope that this is due to security requirements.  The tour showed us the Centre Block including the Library of Parliament - a beautiful space full of books and important documents, the Senate, the Peace Tower observatory and the Memorial Chamber which has the books of the names of Canadian soldiers who have died for their country.  Unfortunately, they are still updating the books with the names of soldiers killed in Afghanistan.

As it was a Monday, debate started early so I watch a bit of that - rather disappointing to see only about 10 to 20 Members (out of 308) in their seats for the debate with the majority participants and only debaters on the opposition side.  The seats did fill in for the 2:00 p.m. Question Period.  This is the time the Members of the Opposition, NDP, Liberals, Bloc and Independents can pose questions to the Government Members.  The questions varied from issues of the day and past week mostly - RCMP allegations of abuse, request for support for truck guards to prevent bicycle accidents, election financing, etc.  It was quite raucous at times - with heckling, shouts, hand clapping and desk thumping - all typical behaviour for all Members regardless of party affiliations.

Overall I enjoyed my visit to Parliament Hill - a very impressive building even though when I tried to pick up my pass to Question Period - I was sent to find a room that did not exist. The hallways of power were surprisingly empty but never fear - I backtracked and security assisted and corrected the directions.  I also enjoyed my visit to Ottawa - a very easy city to walk around and I definitely will be back.