REPORT TO CANADIANS 2019 The Report to Canadians presents highlights of the work undertaken by Canada’s Members of Parliament and the efforts of the House of Commons Administration in supporting Members’ daily activities.
By opening a window into the workings of the House of Commons and increasing the public understanding of Canada’s parliamentary system, the Report to Canadians contributes to the transparent public governance expected by Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
Period of this report: April 1, 2018–March 31, 2019 Parliamentary session covered in this period: 1st session, 42nd Parliament (December 3, 2015–March 31, 2019)
Total number of sitting days during this period: 116
House of Commons Administration Parliament of Canada Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A9 [email protected]
Toll-free (Canada): 1-866-599-4999 Telephone: 613-992-4793 TTY: 613-995-2266
Catalogue Number: X9-27/2019E-PDF
ISSN: 1716-8570
Photographs © House of Commons Message from the Speaker
During the past year, improvements were made to the e-petitions system that has allowed hundreds of thousands of Canadians to participate more easily in their democracy through online petitions; measures were also put in place to allow Members to express themselves—and be understood—in Indigenous languages during House proceedings; and security was upgraded in constituency offices as well as on Parliament Hill.
The “Members’ Snapshot” section provides information on the work of Members over the past year. “Highlights from the Hill” presents an overview of the events and activities that were part of the closing of Centre Block and the reopening of West Block. The “House of Commons Administration” section features the work carried out by the administrative body that As Speaker of the House of Commons and head of supports Members, and an overview of the House the House of Commons Administration, I am pleased Administration’s spending is provided in “Financial to present the Report to Canadians 2019, covering the Information” section at the end of this report. 2018–2019 fiscal year. In this annual report, you will learn more about the work carried out by your Members On behalf of all Members and the House Administration, of Parliament in the Chamber, in committees, in caucus, I want to thank you for taking the time to learn more in constituencies across Canada, and abroad. The about Members’ activities and the work that is done to report also provides information about how the House support them as they carry out their parliamentary duties. Administration supports the work of Members.
During the 2018–2019 fiscal year, we reached some important milestones. Canadians saw the temporary closing of Centre Block and the reopening of West Block. These two events are of significance for all Canadians—we turned an important page in the history of our country’s heritage. In the House of Commons, Hon. Geoff Regan, P.C., M.P. we played an active role in the many stages that led Speaker of the House of Commons to the House’s historic move to its interim location in West Block. As you read this year’s report, you will find out more about the significant work that went into this move—a move that was also symbolic for us as an organization. The transition from Centre Block to West Block shows not only our commitment to the preservation of our heritage spaces, but also our desire to remain current and ready to meet the needs of a modern parliamentary democracy.
House of Commons | Report to Canadians 3 Message from the Clerk
This report covers a period when Centre Block was closed and the rehabilitated West Block was opened. The House’s historic move to its interim location involved a full range of activities and projects, including dry-run exercises in the new West Block Chamber. In January 2019, more than 600 employees gathered to test various components in the Chamber relating to broadcasting, lighting and acoustics to ensure that the space dedicated to the exercise of our parliamentary democracy was move-in ready. In 2018, the House Administration conducted an Employee Engagement Survey, which had a response rate of 71%. The results revealed that employees are highly engaged and enabled and that they are proud to work for the House Administration.
March 31, 2019, marked the end of a strategic planning cycle. We have been busy in recent months In my role as Clerk of the House of Commons, I am developing a new plan and putting together a renewed responsible for the sound management of the House mission, vision and values statement. To set the stage Administration, whose role is to serve Members so for innovation and creativity, we have committed to they can more easily and effectively do their work. adopting new practices that will allow us to, among In the following pages, you will see that employees of other things, encourage risk taking and develop leaders the House Administration have carried out numerous at all levels. projects to support Members in their daily activities. The coming year is full of promise. I hope you will come In November 2018, the House Administration was back in twelve months to find out what is new within recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers our organization. In the meantime, I encourage you to for 2019. We had previously received awards as a learn more about what we have already accomplished Top Employer for Young People in Canada and a Top to provide Canada’s Members of Parliament with the Employer in the National Capital Region—awards we services, infrastructure and advice they need to fulfill won again in 2019—and this year, for the first time, the their roles as legislators and representatives. Administration was recognized as one of the Top 100 Employers in the country.
Charles Robert Clerk of the House of Commons
House of Commons | Report to Canadians 4 Table of Contents
6 Members’ Snapshot
10 Members’ Activities
22 Highlights from the Hill
29 House of Commons Administration
31 Reporting on Results Members’ Snapshot 6 Constituencies by province
Each of Canada’s 338 constituencies (also called ridings or electoral districts) has a representative in the House of Commons. Each Member of Parliament keeps an office and employs staff in the constituency to connect with their constituents to discuss issues of concern, attend certain community events, and help them access federal programs and services. Members’ Snapshot
Look up the address for your Member’s constituency office 428 Constituency offices
Learn about current constituencies 2,013 Members’ employees
1 Northwest Territories 1 1 Nunavut Yukon
78 Quebec
14 Manitoba 7 Newfoundland and Labrador
34 Alberta 4 Prince Edward Island 121 14 Ontario Saskatchewan
10 New Brunswick 338 11 Constituencies Nova Scotia
House of Commons | Report to Canadians 7 About Members of Parliament
Members debate and vote on legislation in the Chamber, attend committee and caucus meetings, and perform a wide range of duties in their constituencies. They also represent Canada when travelling abroad on official business or when hosting foreign parliamentarians and officials. Members’ Snapshot
Each year, Members of Parliament and their staff handle thousands of calls from constituents seeking access to federal government programs and services, including:
1. Employment insurance 3. Veterans' support immigration
2. Disability pensions 4. Passports and 5. Commemorative events Employment Disability Veterans’ Passports and Commemorative insurance pensions support immigration events
For more than 150 years, Members of Parliament have upheld the principles and practices of Canadian democracy by representing the citizens who elect them. Today’s Parliament is the most diverse in our history, containing more women as well as more Members born outside Canada.
73% 27% Seats held by Members Seats held by men Seats held by women 12% born outside Canada
Age of Members
27 53 78 Age of the youngest Member Average age of Members Age of the oldest Member
House of Commons | Report to Canadians 8 137 MP staff members honoured for their long service Members of Parliament can count on their dedicated staff, who spare no effort in helping them carry out their parliamentary functions on the Hill and in their constituency offices.
In May 2018, 137 MP staff members who achieved a significant
service milestone were honoured during a ceremony and reception Members’ Snapshot hosted by the House of Commons Speaker. The ceremony was the first to be held following the revival of the Long Service Awards Program. The program recognizes employees as they reach one of the following milestones: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of service.
Caucuses
Most Members of Parliament belong to a political party and are members of a caucus. Each caucus meets weekly when Parliament is in session to discuss policies and parliamentary strategy, to share feedback from their constituents, and to establish positions on issues being debated in the House of Commons. Held in private, caucus meetings allow Members to freely express their views.
Learn more about the role of political parties in View the list of party leaders and House Officers Canada’s Parliament
Seats held by each political party in the House of Commons (as of March 31, 2019)
179 97 41 Liberal Party of Canada Conservative Party of Canada New Democratic Party
10 5 1 Bloc Québécois Independent Members Green Party of Canada
1 1 3 Co-operative Commonwealth People’s Party of Canada Vacant Federation
A party must have at least 12 seats to be recognized as a party in the House of Commons. Recognition means that the party has representation on committees as well as funding for research and staff.
House of Commons | Report to Canadians 9 Members’ Activities 10 parliamentary secretaries. parliamentary consideration ismore restricted) andare introduced by individualMemberswhoare notCabinetministersor instructions oftheCabinet.Private Members’ Billsfollowthesamelegislative process (althoughtimefortheir Government Billsare introduced by aministeroftheCrown anddrafted ofJusticeonthe by theDepartment were introduced, covering awiderange oftopics. From April1,2018to March 31,2019,atotal of60bills All theseactivitiesare presided over by theSpeaker oftheHouseorone receive documentsprepared andagencies,debatevote by onpotentiallaws. government departments The Chamberiswhere Memberscometogether to debateissuesoflocal,regional andnationalimportance, In the Chamber TOPICS INCLUDED • • • • • • • • • • • • • A typicalweekintheHouse Governments Billsintroduced 22 Accessibility Public safety andemergency preparedness National defence Justice International trade diversification and internaltrade affairs Intergovernmental andNorthern Indigenous services Finance Families, children andsocialdevelopment Employment, workforce development and labour Democratic institutions Canadian heritageandmulticulturalism Appropriation
TOPICS INCLUDED • • • • • • • • • • • Public finance Transportation andnavigation Labour law Health Federal taxandtransfer legislation Environment Elections andParliament Criminal Code Constitution, officiallanguagesandhumanrights Compensation, pensionandemployment insurance Access to informationandprivacy Private Members’Billsintroduced 38 on ParlVU Watch Chamberproceedings online
Chair occupants House of Commons| . Report to Canadians Report
11 Members’ Activities Statistics about the House of Commons of House Certain documentsmustbetabledintheHouseby thegovernment. Certain to Membersandputtingitontheofficialpublic record oftheHouse. Tabling adocumentisformalway ofproviding information are referred to as“sessional papers.” government respond Collectively, to thosereports. thesedocuments to theHouseandcanrequestCommittees present reports thatthe of thegovernment. concerning mattersrelated to theadministrative responsibilities andotherpapers institutions, corporate reports, plans,performance foranumberoffederalforces andcommissions, annualreports onstudiesconductedby governmentAmong theseare reports task Rulings by theSpeaker inresponse 36 Written questionssubmitted 725 Sitting days 116 Sessional paperstabled 2,591 privilege raised intheChamber to pointsoforder orquestionsof
House of Commons|
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12 Members’ Activities petitions website. to makingpaperpetitionsalsoavailable onthe currently indevelopment, wasidentifiedwithaview module were deployed, andanewfunctionality, 2019,enhancementsto thee-petition In January petitions within45days oftheirpresentation. petitions. The government isobligedto reply to petitions are accepted:paperpetitionsandelectronic to request thatactionbetaken. Two formsofpublic attention to an issueofpublicinterest orconcernand their democracy. The purposeofapetitionisto draw in to directly participate Canadians anopportunity The electronic petitionapplicationgives millionsof Petitions Number ofpetitionstabled Learn aboute Learn more aboutpetition Find out Electronic 122 Paper 875 more abouttheseenhancements
-petitions s
9. 8. are atleast500signatures 7. 90 or120days 6. 5. 4. of Canada 3. 2. 1. The pathofane-petition Tabling ofagovernment response Presentation intheHouseofCommons by theClerkof Petitions ifthere Certification Open forsignature onthewebsitefor30,60, reviewPreliminary by theClerkofPetitions Authorization by aMemberofParliament offive Canadiancitizens or residents Support Write andsubmitadraft Create apetitioner's account House of Commons| Report to Canadians Report 13 Members’ Activities generally oversee oragency. agovernment department the Standing committeesare establishedpursuantto andcitizens. experts spending, conductinquiriesandreceive inputfrom amend proposed legislation,examinegovernment In committees,Membersconductin-depthstudies, In Committees and the Standing jointcommitteesare establishedpursuantto the • • • • • • • • • • • • • Standing Orders Library of Parliament (BILI) Standing jointcommittees 2 Standing committees 24 Indigenous and Northern Affairs(INAN) Indigenous andNorthern and theStatusofPersons withDisabilities(HUMA) Human Resources, SkillsandSocialDevelopment Health (HESA) Government Operations andEstimates(OGGO) Foreign AffairsandInternationalDevelopment (FAAE) Fisheries andOceans(FOPO) Finance (FINA) Environment andSustainableDevelopment (ENVI) Citizenship andImmigration (CIMM) Canadian Heritage(CHPC) Agriculture andAgri-Food (AGRI) Access to Information,Privacy andEthics(ETHI)
Rules oftheSenate,
oftheHouseCommonsand andare composed ofmembersfrom both theSenateandHouseofCommons. Standing Orders • • • • • • • • • • • • • or listento allpublicmeetings onParlVU Browse thelistofcommitteemeetingsandwatch Learn more aboutcommittees activities andreports View acomprehensive listofstudies, Scrutiny ofRegulations (REGS) Veterans Affairs(ACVA) Transport, Infrastructure andCommunities(TRAN) Status ofWomen (FEWO) Public Safety andNationalSecurity(SECU) Public Accounts(PACP) Procedure andHouseAffairs(PROC) (LANG) Official Languages Natural Resources (RNNR) National Defence (NDDN) Justice andHumanRights(JUST) TradeInternational (CIIT) Industry, Scienceand Technology (INDU) oftheHouseCommons House of Commons|
Report to Canadians Report 14 Members’ Activities these topics included: discussions onavariety oftopics. In2018–2019, for in-depth Committees provide anopportunity Committees Topics Addressed by • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Remediation agreements, theShawcross doctrine and strategies (INAN) infrastructureNorthern projects A barrier-free Canada(BillC-81)(HUMA) in Canada(HESA) Impacts ofmethamphetamineabuse violence(FEWO) women andintimatepartner women andchildren affected by violenceagainst System ofsheltersandtransition housesserving Canada’s sovereignty intheArctic (FAAE) forestry, agriculture andwaste(ENVI) Clean growth andclimatechangeinCanada: (CIMM) in the21stcentury forCanada Migration challengesandopportunities companies andworkers (CIIT) Impact oftariffsonCanadianbusinesses, ranchers, andproducers face(AGRI) Mental healthchallengesthatCanadianfarmers, Homeless veterans (ACVA) Sports-related concussionsinCanada(SCSC) Sports-related (TRAN) of majorCanadianairports Assessing theimpactofaircraft noiseinthevicinity in Canada(RNNR) forenergy efficiency Economic opportunities of theHouseCommons(PROC) Use ofIndigenouslanguagesinproceedings Attorney General andgovernment colleagues(JUST) and thediscussionsbetweenOfficeof
present written briefsto thecommittee. allow witnessesto share theirpointofview and information relevant to astudy. These interactions and ministersto appearbefore themto obtain representatives oforganizations, publicservants Committees regularly invitecitizens, experts, Who are thewitnesses? House of Commons| 1,991 committee meetings Total numberof 1,170 standing committee Members oneach 10 Reports presented Reports 182 Witness appearances 5,014 committee meetings Total hoursof
Report to Canadians Report 15 Members’ Activities with foreign dignitaries andthediplomaticcommunity. calls,theSpeakers oftheSenateandHousemeet Through meetingsandcourtesy Members ofParliament play anactive diplomacy. role inparliamentary indelegationsto foreign legislaturesor participating andinternationalconferences, Whether welcomingvisitingparliamentariansanddignitariesto theHouseofCommons Activities Interparliamentary International and Learn more abouthowMembersrepresent Canadato theworld the Honourable GeoffRegan,onJune6,2018. the Honourable George Furey; andtheHouse ofCommonsSpeaker, in thepresence ofPrimeMinister Justin Trudeau; theSenateSpeaker, signing theDistinguishedVisitors’ BooksattheParliament ofCanada His Excellency EmmanuelMacron, President oftheFrench Republic, Emmanuel Macron, President oftheFrench Republic Visit to Canada(June6–7,2018)ofHisExcellency
House of Commons| Report to Canadians Report 16 Members’ Activities • • • • • Opportunities for parliamentary diplomacycantake various forparliamentary forms: Opportunities
Parliament ofCanada. The 64thAnnualSessionwashostedby the a widerange ofissuesconcerning theAlliance. representatives, NATO on officials,andexperts to studydraft andhearfrom government reports NATO nationsmet membercountriesandpartner Assembly,Parliamentary parliamentariansfrom During theAnnualSessionofNATO Nova Scotia,November 2018 Assembly,Parliamentary Halifax, 64th Annual SessionofNATO Activities here andabroad where membersofvarious associationstake part inconferences aseitherhostsorattendees Participation Official delegationsled bytheSpeaker delegations Visits by parliamentary Visits by headsofstateorgovernment
of theLowerHousesG7 16th MeetingoftheSpeakers Frontier InstituteatDalhousieUniversity. the presiding officers tothe prestigious Ocean meetings, andvisitsoccurred, includingavisitby Security.” Anumberofbusinesssessions, Oversightwas “Parliamentary andNational his delegate. The themeofthisyear’s gathering one attendedby current Speaker Geoff Reganor the G7countries. The 2018meetingwasthe third gathering ofpresiding officersofparliaments to 8,2018. The G7Speakers’ meetingisanannual the G7inHalifax,Nova Scotiafrom September6 Meeting oftheSpeakers oftheLowerHouses Honourable GeoffRegan,hostedthe16th The Speaker oftheHouseCommons, House of Commons| Report to Canadians Report
17 Members’ Activities Canadian NATO Association(CANA) Parliamentary SNAPSHOT OF CERTAIN PARLIAMENTARY DIPLOMATIC ACTIVITIES AMERICAS and SecurityCommittee(DSC) Meeting oftheDefence Bilateral Visitto Panama and3rd Gatheringofthe Canadian SectionofParlAmericas (CPAM) ParlAmericas, and8thSummitoftheAmericas Network, 45thBoard ofDirectors Meetingof Parliamentary NetworkonClimateChange Parliamentary Honolulu, Hawaii Bilateral Visitto Mexico 3rd GatheringoftheOpenParliament Canadian SectionofParlAmericas (CPAM) Canadian SectionofParlAmericas (CPAM) Mexico City, Mexico
Panama City, Panama
Lima, Peru
Washington, D.C. Canada–United StatesInter-Parliamentary Group (CEUS) CAN–AM Border Trade AllianceConference House of Commons| Parliamentary Seminar Parliamentary 40th CanadianRegional Iqaluit, Nunavut Association(CCOM) Parliamentary Canadian Branch oftheCommonwealth Activities 36 Report to Canadians Report
18 Members’ Activities Canada–United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association(RUUK) Canada–United KingdomInter-Parliamentary EUROPE Canada–France Interparliamentary Parliamentary Mission Parliamentary Conference oftheParliamentarians oftheArctic Region London, UnitedKingdomandBrussels,Belgium Horta and Terceira,Horta Portugal Canadian Group Union(UIPU) oftheInter-Parliamentary Meeting oftheSteeringCommittee12+Group Assocation (CAFR) Paris, France to France Canada–Europe Association(CAEU) Parliamentary
Bilateral Visit
Inari, Finland
House of Commons| Rome, Italy de laFrancophonie (CAPF) Canadian Branch oftheAssembléeparlementaire and Development Committee Meeting oftheAPFCooperation Kiev, Ukraine Assembly (SECO) Security andCo-operation inEurope Parliamentary Canadian Delegationto theOrganization for Mission Observation Presidential Election Activities
28 Report to Canadians Report
19 Members’ Activities Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire Communication andCultural Affairs MIDDLE EAST ANDAFRICA Grand-Bassam, Côted'Ivoire Coast) (Ivory Meeting oftheAPFEducation, on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis andMalaria Meeting of the Parliamentary Network Meeting oftheParliamentary Canadian Branch oftheAssembléeparlementaire de laFrancophonie (CAPF) Activities 7 Committee de laFrancophonie (CAPF)
Lomé, Togo Algiers, Algeria Association(CAAF) Canada–Africa Parliamentary Bilateral Missionto Algeria
Cape Town, SouthAfricaandNairobi, Kenya Canadian Branch Association(CCOM) oftheCommonwealthParliamentary Bilateral Visitto SouthAfricaandKenya Djibouti, RepublicofDjibouti de laFrancophonie (CAPF) Canadian Branch oftheAssembléeparlementaire Meeting oftheAPFPolitical Committee House of Commons| Addis Ababa,Shewa,EthiopiaandKigali,Rwanda Association(CAAF) Canada–Africa Parliamentary and Rwanda Bilateral Missionto Ethiopia
Report to Canadians Report
20 Members’ Activities ASIA ANDAUSTRALIA ASIA Canadian Branch oftheAssembléeparlementaire Activities Canadian Branch oftheCommonwealth 10 Meeting oftheAPFNetwork of Parliamentarian Women Parliamentary Association(CCOM) Parliamentary Bilateral Visitto Pakistan de laFrancophonie (CAPF) Islamabad, Pakistan Hanoi, Vietnam
Tokyo andSapporo, Japan GroupCanada–Japan Inter-Parliamentary (CAJP) Co-Chairs’ Annual Visitto Japan Shanghai, ShenzhenandHongKong, China Canada–China Legislative Association(CACN) and HongKong, China MissiontoParliamentary Shanghai,Shenzhen Auckland andWellington, NewZealand andApia,Samoa Association (CCOM) Canadian Branch oftheCommonwealthParliamentary Bilateral Visitto NewZealand andSamoa House of Commons|
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21 Members’ Activities Highlights from the Hill 22 “ Canadian history. and mostcomplexheritagerehabilitation projects in a decadeto ofonethelargest make way forthestart the Centre BlockChamberforthelasttimeatleast On December13,2018,MembersofParliament rose in space where muchofourcountry’s wasmade. history debatesandsignificantdecisions,the of important centre ofCanada’s democracy, parliamentary thehub For almost100years, theParliament Buildingwas the of Centre Block Closing Temporary December 12,2018 The Honourable GeoffRegan we return thefavour. it isnowtimethat for almostahundred years; It hastaken goodcare ofus the Parliament Building. savour thewonderthatis to pause,lookaround, and I encourage allMembers Block inDecember2018 leadersbid goodbyeWatch to Centre party House of Commons|
”
Report to Canadians Report
23 Highlights from the Hill Parliament ofthefuture. our tonecessary support andthepreparationsof history a story aboutthepreservation ofalarger story: also lives aspart The Centre Blockrehabilitation tour ofCentre Block. architecture before thelastofficial and artefacts space anditsart, to explore thehistoricopportunity Thousands ofCanadianshadthe closing ofCentre Block. events were heldto markthe last sittingofParliament, several to andimmediatelyfollowingthe In thedays andweeksleadingup House of Commons| Honour onNovember 27,2018. parliamentarians, andmediaintheHallof for dignitaries,current andformer Geoff Regan,hostaSpeakers’ Reception House ofCommons,theHonourable George J.Furey, and theSpeaker ofthe The Speaker oftheSenate,Honourable Report to Canadians Report 24 Highlights from the Hill several tours duringWest Block’s transformation. inoneof Members andtheirstafftake part West Block. various roles to testthelegislative functionalityof staff andHouseAdministration employees play runs,600Members’ In thelastoffourdry a handover ceremony onNovember 8,2018. from theWest Blockroof to Speaker Reganduring presents aceremonial key crafted usingcopper andProcurementPublic Services andAccessibility, The Honourable CarlaQualtrough, Ministerof West Block Rehabilitation hockey sticks. areand courtyard reminiscent ofsheaves ofwheat,canoes,fishbones,and evoke Canadianimagery. The woodpanellingandtracery intheChamber Variousdesign elementsandnatural materialsusedthroughout theChamber the opennessandtransparency democratic ofa21st-century parliament. The symbolismoftheChamber’s opendesignandglassceiling reflects building were designed,furnished,andreadied forMembers. DiningRoom,andallphysicalspacesthatmakethe Parliamentary upthe the PrimeMinister, andHouseOfficers–inaddition tofourcommittee rooms, officespaces–includingthoseoftheSpeaker,In all,52newparliamentary 2019. its sittinginJanuary functionalities–to ensure thatParliament resumed, uninterrupted,intimefor bells andbroadcasting andinterpretation systems,amongnumerous other Every aspectofWest Blockwastested–from acousticsto security, division restored heritagebuilding. inthenewly services spacesandsupport Chamber andotherparliamentary exercises indry-run to reviewpart andperfect thefunctionalityofinterim Thousands ofMembers’staffandHouseAdministration employees took preparations designedto make West Blockmove-in ready forMembers. a comprehensive buildingrestoration project to thecarefully orchestrated Procurement Canada(PSPC) marked amonumentaltransition: ashiftfrom The ceremonial handover ofthekey to West and Blockby PublicServices Restoration and Block undergoes itsownrehabilitation. now accommodatestheinterimHouseofCommons Chamber whileCentre The core infillthat oftherehabilitated buildingisthepermanent courtyard of thescaleeffort Watch this time-lapse video to getasense House of Commons|
Report to Canadians Report
25 Highlights from the Hill antechamber andfoyer inWest Block. Portraits ofCanada’s PrimeMinisterswere relocated to thenew The Speakers Precinct istheinterimseatofCanada's democracy. parliamentary later transitioned into space.Now, aparliamentary theoldestbuildingin West Blockopeneditsdoorsasagovernment buildingover 150years agoand design andtechnologyto meettheneeds ofParliament. The restored spaceintegrates Canada’s history withcontemporary parliamentary Finishing touches ’ portraits findanewhomein portraits West Block. table to preserve theirintegrity. Block. Aconservator worked onseveral displayed onthe artefacts The Clerk’s Table, acentral fixture oftheChamber, moved to West House of Commons| Report to Canadians Report 26 Highlights from the Hill The Opening of West Block
This space is a unique marriage of tradition Highlights from the Hill Highlights from and modernity, of the familiar and the new .... On behalf of the exceptional team that made this restored West Block a reality, “welcome to the new House. The Honourable Geoff Regan January 28, 2019
A seashell, sacred plants, fire and cleansing smoke: on January 28, 2019, these four elements came together as part of a solemn Indigenous smudging ceremony. Algonquin Elder Claudette Commanda led the ceremony that blessed the interim Chamber and marked its official” use for the first time.
Smudging ceremony
27 for future generations. democracywhere ourparliamentary isconducted, preservation ofourhistory, aswellthespaces make Precinct uptheParliamentary willensure the The ongoingtransformation ofthebuildingsthat House ofCommons. Block, andto thelivinghistory that ismadeevery day inthe Block’s history remains inextricablylinked to thatofCentre Block andthenewinterimChamberhave ended, West Though theceremonies to marktheopeningofWest totheir lives ourcountry. inservice name willbevisible,insolemntributeto thosewhogave at 11a.m.,ensuringthatthroughout theyear, every the Turning ofthePage Ceremony continueseachday Canada’s wardeadare presented. Begunin1942, eight altarsonwhichthebookscontainingnamesof Welcome Centre, theRoomofRemembrance houses Tower’s MemorialChamber. LocatedwithintheVisitor Books ofRemembrance from theirhomeinthePeace of aVisitor Welcome Centre andtherelocation ofthe The move to West Blockalsoincludedtheconstruction Members’ homeaway from home. troubleshoot andensure thatthenewHousebecame and staffwasstationedthroughout thebuildingto Orientation sessionsandpackageswere distributed, including theinaugural Speaker’s Parade. The openingofWest Blockwasaday ofmanyfirsts, in West Block Watch thefirstSpeaker’s Parade
Group photo ofMembersin visit thissolemnspace. Memorial Chamber. Itremains opento allCanadianswhowishto light andwasdesignedto preserve theNeo-Gothicdesignof The RoomofRemembrance isilluminatedby soft, speckled of theBooksRemembrance inanewinterimspace. On February 5,2019,aceremony was heldto marktheplacement Group photo ofMembersinWest BlockInterimChamber House of Commons| Centre BlockChamber Report to Canadians Report
28 Highlights from the Hill House of Commons 29 Administration in caucus,andtheirofficeson ParliamentHillandtheirconstituencies. outtheirworkaslegislatorsto andasrepresentatives carry intheChamber, incommittees, Parliament. Itstrives to provide infrastructure theservices, andadvicethattheMembersneed itsMembersandtheinstitutionof The HouseofCommonsAdministration proudly supports Organization Our * See Interparliamentary International and Proceedings Appendix 8. 7. 6. Affairs House
Clerk of of House the Clerk Commons ofSpeaker of House the Commons ofBoard Internal Economy 8.6 8.5 8.4 8.3 8.2 8.1 Deputy Clerk, Procedure
A Deputy Clerk, Administration Clerk, Deputy Counsel Parliamentary and Clerk Law Procedure Clerk, Deputy Curatorial Services Improvement Internal Continuous and Audit Corporate Communications formore details. 8.6.5 8.6.4 8.6.3 8.6.2 8.6.1 8.5.2 8.5.1 8.4.4 8.4.3 8.4.2 8.4.1 8.6.6 and Legislative
Parliamentary
Committees Information Directorate Legislation Services Legislation Services Legal Parliamentary Information Directorate Proceedings House Legislative and Services Committees Affairs International Interparliamentary and Finance Services Finance Secretariat Press Gallery Office Security Corporate Operations Precinct Parliamentary Resources Services Human Real and Property Digital Services Services Internal Audit andContinuousImprovement Speaker oftheHouseCommons Clerk oftheHouseCommons Services Legal Board of Internal Economy of Internal Board Corporate Communications Corporate Communications Curatorial Services Law Clerkand Parliamentary Parliamentary Counsel Legislation Services Digital Services House of Commons| Parliamentary Real Property Press Gallery Operations Secretariat Precinct and
Administration Deputy Clerk, Report to Canadians Report Security Office Resources Corporate Services Services Finance Human 30 House of Commons Administration Reporting on Results 31 and French. published inthatlanguage,additionto English languages couldbeinterpreted whenpossibleand ensure inIndigenous thatMembers’interventions Translation Bureau andPSPC,theHouse worked to in theHouseofCommons.Incollaboration withthe out aprocess fortheuseofIndigenous languages Committee onProcedure andHouseAffairs,setting oftheStanding The Houseadoptedthe66thReport 2018-2019 Results Highlights 2018-2019 Results Use ofIndigenouslanguages towards creating anenvironmentally friendly workplace. Providing greener alternatives to getto workisastep This pastyear, theHouseinstalled: Greener commute
• • •
South Slavey South North Slavey North Many additionalindoorand covered bicycle stations 2 bike repair stations 9 electricvehicle charging stations Inuvialuktun Operational
Excellence Chipewyan Inuinnaqtun
Tłıchǫ Yatıı Gwich’in Cree with anongoingfocusonimprovement. parliamentarians. Ourstrong willcontinueto culture befostered, ofservice The HouseAdministration’s Membersintheirworkas priorityisto support Inuktitut
at areduced cost. householder formatsalsooffer more choice communications withconstituents. The new a more dynamicandmodernlookfortheirprinted New householderformatsprovide Memberswith Modernization ofhouseholders House of Commons| Report to Canadians Report
32 Reporting on Results their families. Members thatimprove theirabilityto reunite with approved changesto travel policiesapplicableto Members. InMay 2018,theBoard ofInternalEconomy evaluated to ensure they reflect the evolving needs of Family-friendly andresources services are continually a gatheringspaceforMembersandtheirfamilies. includes abreastfeeding area andisavailable foruseas high chairandplay mat.Inaddition,aSpouses’Lounge numerous amenities,suchasacrib,bottlewarmer, with infantsandyoung children. This spaceprovides for theexclusive useofMembersandtheirspouses renovated West BlockbuildingincludesaFamily Room also caringfortheirfamilies. The designofthenewly to helpMembersfulfilltheir responsibilities while inclusive institution.Itoffers awiderange ofservices that itincreasingly becomesamore family-friendlyand Members, modifyingtheway itconductsbusinessso The HouseofCommonsisresponsive to theneedsof Family-friendly environment
throughout Precinct, theParliamentary suchas: are providedAdditional family-friendlyservices located throughout Precinct. the Parliamentary offeredservices atthefourSource Members andtheirstaffcantake advantage ofthe offeredservices by theHouseAdministration. information technologyandvarious operational answer questionsrelated to finance,human resources, employeesteam ofHouseCommons are on hand to A Members andtheirstaffwithin-personsupport. centres calledSourceon-site service One recent example isthecreation ofmultidisciplinary and effectively. responsibilities moretheir parliamentary easily that allowMembersandtheiremployees to fulfill Administration iscontinuouslyimproving services As aclient-focusedorganization, theHouse • • • • • their staff centresOn-site service forMembersand chairs and serve child-friendlyfoodoptions chairs andserve DiningRoom,thatprovideParliamentary high Cafeterias across thePrecinct, includingthe change stations Several washrooms equippedwithbaby Shuttles thatcanaccommodatemoststrollers and Memberswithbabies Parking spacesreserved forpregnant Members child care asneeded services on-call on theHillDaycare aswellshort-term, Full-time private childcare offered attheChildren House of Commons| plus plus service centres service Report to Canadians Report thatprovide
33 Reporting on Results information aboutevents, activities,news,conferences website offers regularly updatedcontent—including was launchedinFebruary 2019. The mobile-friendly A newlyredesigned diplomacy website parliamentary petitions are tabledintheHouse. petitions willalsobepublishedonlineoncethese inthe43rd Parliament, thetextofpaper Starting for more flexibleformatsforsignatories’ addresses. allow fortheuseoflarger-size paperandto provide Rules regarding paperpetitionswere alsomodified to online, choosingbetween30,60,90or120days. timeline forwhiche-petitionsare openforsignature 2019.Petitioners areJanuary nowableto selectthe enhancements to e-petitionswere deployed in Standing CommitteeonProcedure andHouseAffairs, ofthe Following theadoptionof75thReport provides improved functionality. photo galleries—withinasimplified,moderndesignthat dedicated and reports, Twitter feeds, aswellcurated website renewal activities interparliamentary The internationaland Electronic petitionenhancement on theinternationalstage Learn more aboutthediplomaticworkofMembers and Information Infrastructure Technology Modern
and processes. In 2018,theHouseAdministration continuedto develop itsIM/IT solutions are key enablersforanyknowledge-basedorganization. Sound informationtechnology(IT) androbust informationmanagement(IM)
Management System. completed in2017withthelaunchofnewFinancial infrastructure. The firstphaseofthisstrategy was strategy to modernize ourenterprise resource planning ofalarger The implementationofanewHRMISispart such asleave, employees, employment, anddepartures. (HRMIS) encompassesthemanagementofinformation The HumanResources ManagementIntegrated System more user-friendly, efficientandintegrated fashion. on humanresources managementinformationina The HRMISwasdesignedto capture, houseandreport Integrated Systemrenewal Human Resources Management House of Commons| Report to Canadians Report
34 Reporting on Results Physical Spaces and Associated Renewed Services marked asignificantmilestone inthelife ofthe LTVP. home inthenewlyrestored West Blockandthetemporary closure ofCentre Block This pastyear, thetransition oftheHouseCommonsChamberto itsinterim Government ofCanadaintroduced theLong Term VisionandPlan(LTVP) in2001. andthe partners the HouseofCommonstogether withitsparliamentary Precinct andprepare themto meettherequirements ofaworkingParliament, To preserve andprotect theiconicbuildingsthatmake uptheParliamentary SITE DAILY. OVER 1,200WORKERSON WERE CONSTRUCTION, THERE AT PEAK TIMES DURING parliamentary democracy.parliamentary our all themodernfunctionalityrequired to support heritage buildingto itsformerglory, butalsoincorporate approach thatwouldnotonlyrestore theexisting It required acomprehensive, contemporary design The renovation ofWest Blockwasamajorundertaking. • • • • • • • The rehabilitation ofWest Block What wasdone Improved securityandaccessibility multimedia capabilities Modernization ofinformationtechnologyand underground facility Court Excavation andconstructionoftheNorth to buildtheinterimChamber Excavation infill andconstructionofthecourtyard Replacement ofthewindowsandroof life-safety buildingsystems Replacement ofmechanical,electricaland decorative metalwork Restoration ofmasonry, sculptural elements and House of Commons| Report to Canadians Report
35 Reporting on Results Security Approach Management and Emergency Enhanced safety audits,threat andriskassessments,policydevelopment,the threats ischallengingforanyorganization. Through awareness programs, The changingnature ofphysicalandinformationtechnologysecurity throughout 2018. House Administration continuedto ensure anopenandsecure Parliament Administration employees Members, theirstaffandHouse via appropriate channelsto and relevant information communicate timely, accurate, ensure thatitisready to strategy and framework to revised itscrisiscommunications The HouseAdministration has • • • together to: administrations worked The HouseandSenate and businesscontinuity. response, crisismanagement in situationsofemergency House of Commons| emergency preparedness Communications and international travel parliamentarians during Supporting were travelling mobile technologywhenthey Equip Memberswithsecured travelling Members awareness informationfor Provide cybersecurity secure manner available inasafe and required whentravelling was Ensure thatdocumentation Report to Canadians Report
36 Reporting on Results Qualified and Productive Workforce Engaged, collaboration, expectations.Inthe2018survey, andperformance employees 2014, three priorityareas were identified:communicationeffectiveness, Following thefirstEmployee EngagementSurvey, whichwasheldin actions. This ishowweimprove. motivates employees to succeed. Today’s feedback drives tomorrow’s uses to measure andunderstandtheemployee experienceandwhat The Employee EngagementSurvey isavitaltool thattheHouseofCommons the reasons theHouseAdministration wasrecognized andhonoured: as oneofCanada’s Top 100Employers forthefirsttime.Here are someof employment periodicals. This year, theHouseAdministration wasdesignated for Young People by MediacorpCanada,thecountry’s largest publisherof National CapitalRegion’s Top Employers andoneofCanada’s Top Employers For thethird year inarow, theHouseAdministration wasnamedoneofthe for theirfeedback, withaviewtoward constantimprovement. offering training anddevelopment programs andcheckinginwithemployees contribute to theorganization anddevelop theircareers attheHouseby The HouseAdministration iscommittedto encouraging employees to to continueto improve employee engagementandenablement. of choice.Basedontheresults ofthesurvey, anactionplanwillbedeveloped Members, are treated withrespect, andare ableto usetheirofficiallanguage believe theorganization provided prioritizes thequality ofservice to majority ofemployees (93%)are proud to workfortheHouseAdministration, compared with2014andwere above thepublic‐sector averages. The vast Overall employee engagementandenablementresults have improved as responded thatthey have seenimprovements ineachoftheseareas. • • • Employee EngagementSurvey Top Employers The HouseAdministration isoneofCanada’s and humanresources. finance,proceduraldisciplines, includinginformationservices, services offers studentstemporary andpermanentplacementsinavariety of The organization engageswithuniversities, collegesandcégeps employees balanceworkwiththeirpersonallives. The Administration offers avariety ofworkarrangements to help Council andaWorkplace InclusionProgram. backgrounds. The HouseAdministration maintainsadedicatedDiversity The organization recruits andretains individualsfrom abroad range of House of Commons|
Report to Canadians Report
37 Reporting on Results Through theprogram, leaders: skills they needto leadtheirteams. managers indeveloping thefundamental This six-day training program supports • • • Excellence Program Management within theHouseAdministration leadership/managerial roles and appreciation ofthe Gain abetterunderstanding andmanagerialroles supervisory themintheir tools thatsupport Become familiarwithnew, practical their employees to effectively engageandempower Develop foundationalsoftskillsneeded House of Commons|
Report to Canadians Report
38 Reporting on Results Financial Information Supplementary Planned Versus Actual Spending Main Total Actual Surplus / Estimates and 2018-2019 (In Thousands of Dollars) Estimates Authorities Spending (Deficit) Adjustments
Statutory Members and House Officers 120,174 (15,803) 104,371 104,371 -
Employee Benefit Plans 39,834 (728) 39,106 39,106 -
Total statutory 160,008 (16,531) 143,477 143,477 - Non-statutory Members and House Officers 161,659 6,856 168,515 156,999 11,516 Committees, Parliamentary Associations 9,160 - 9,160 7,040 2,120 and Parliamentary Exchanges House Administration Program 176,185 9,051 185,236 179,897 5,339 House Administration Total non-statutory 347,004 15,907 362,911 343,936 18,975
TOTAL 507,012 (624) 506,388 487,413 18,975
Actual Spending1 2 House Administration Actual Spending 2018-2019 FTE Budget– Budgeted number of permanent full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
(In Thousands– Salary (including Employee Benefit Plans) and operating expenditures of Dollars)
Office of the Clerk 5,288 42
Office of the Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel 5,169 31
Procedural Services 31,173 334
Office of the Deputy Clerk, Administration 2,656 19
Parliamentary Precinct Operations 31,989 508
Corporate Security Office 6,899 57
Digital Services and Real Property 75,390 440
Human Resources Services 20,702 134
Finance Services 22,573 200
TOTAL 201,839 1,765
1 Salary (including Employee Benefit Plans) and operating expenditures 2 Budgeted number of permanent full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
Learn more about the House’s financial information
House of Commons | Report to Canadians 39 Appendix A - House Administration
Board of Internal Economy The Board of Internal Economy (BOIE) is the governing body of the House of Commons. Under the Parliament of Canada Act, the Board has the legal authority to “act on all financial and administrative matters respecting (a) the House of Commons, its premises, its services and its staff; and (b) the Members of the House of Commons.”
Speaker of the House of Commons As Chair of the BOIE and head of the House Administration, the Speaker is responsible for the overall direction and management of the Administration. The Speaker maintains order in Chamber proceedings and protects the rights and privileges of the House.
Clerk of the House of Commons The Clerk of the House of Commons is the chief executive of the Administration and is responsible for the day-to-day management of House operations. The Clerk is at the service of all Members and must act with impartiality and discretion. The Clerk also authenticates all decisions made by the House, maintains records of the proceedings, and advises on the interpretation of parliamentary rules, precedents and practices.
In addition, the Clerk oversees the following functions:
Corporate Internal Audit and Curatorial Communications Continuous Improvement Services The Corporate Communications As the House’s champion of Curatorial Services provides advice team provides the BOIE, good management practices, to the institution on heritage the offices of the Speaker and Internal Audit and Continuous matters and is responsible for the the Clerk, and all service areas Improvement supports the House House of Commons collection, with strategic advice, analysis, Administration’s mandate by which is composed of 5,000 products, tools and support related providing objective and objects, including official portraits, to communications, branding, value-added assurance, historical paintings and other crisis communications, social risk-management and advisory works of art, as well as ceremonial media and media relations. services on all strategic and objects and pieces of furniture. management practices. The Peace Tower Carillon also falls under its purview.
House of Commons | Report to Canadians 40 Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel As the chief legal officer of the House of Commons, the Law Clerk andarliamentary P Counsel provides comprehensive legal and legislative services to the Speaker, the BOIE, Members, committees, the Clerk and the House Administration. The Law Clerk is also a Table Officer.
Legal Services Legislation Services Legal Services offers comprehensive legal advice and Legislation Services assists Members who are not in services to the House as an institution, to the Speaker, to Cabinet in drafting Private Members’ Bills and motions the BOIE, to Members, to committees, and to the House to amend Government Bills. This service is also Administration. Legal advisors specialize in multiple responsible for printing Government Bills and Private areas of law, including parliamentary law, constitutional Members’ Bills as they progress through the legislative law, labour law, and contract law. As well, this team may process. It ensures that bills are correctly printed or intervene in legal proceedings on behalf of the House reprinted with amendments as approved by the House of Commons and its Members to ensure that their or its committees and when ultimately adopted as acts parliamentary privileges and immunities are protected. of Parliament.
House of Commons | Report to Canadians 41 Deputy Clerk, Procedure Procedural Services offers a broad range of procedural and legislative advice to the Speaker, Members and Officers of the House of Commons. Procedural Services also conducts research and offers training on parliamentary practice and procedure, and coordinates Members’ participation in international and interparliamentary activities. This service area produces timely and accurate parliamentary information in both official languages, such as the transcripts of debates in the House or minutes of committee proceedings.
House Proceedings Directorate Committees and Legislative Services The House Proceedings Directorate is responsible for The Committees and Legislative Services Directorate supporting the business of the Chamber, including provides procedural and administrative support to all producing parliamentary publications, managing the standing, special, legislative and joint committees of the Page Program and coordinating Private Members’ House of Commons. The Directorate is also responsible Business. It provides research, advice and information for providing procedural advice to the Speaker and regarding parliamentary procedure. Members with respect to legislation.
International and Interparliamentary Affairs Parliamentary Information Directorate The International and Interparliamentary Affairs The Parliamentary Information Directorate is in charge Directorate (IIA), a joint directorate of the Senate and of coordinating and supporting Procedural Services’ the House of Commons, coordinates the Parliament of information technology activities; implementing Canada’s external relations and activities. IIA supports strategies to effectively manage information assets; both Speakers’ exchanges with their counterparts; the producing the debates and the proceedings and activities of parliamentary associations and recognized evidence of both the House and its joint committees; interparliamentary groups, in Canada and abroad; ensuring the analytical indexing of key House and official visits by dignitaries and heads of state; and committee publications; and overseeing the strategic conferences hosted by the Parliament of Canada. direction for the dissemination of digital content.
House of Commons | Report to Canadians 42 Deputy Clerk, Administration The Office of the Deputy Clerk, Administration, provides Members with a broad range of administrative services, infrastructure, support and advice to help them carry out their parliamentary functions on the Hill and in constituencies. It oversees the functionality and service delivery of several service areas—namely Digital Services and Real Property, the Corporate Security Office, Finance Services, Human Resources Services and Parliamentary Precinct Operations—and ensures their unified plan and vision. It also provides services that support strategic planning and reporting activities, as well as the technical and administrative infrastructure for the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery.
Digital Services and Real Property Finance Services Digital Services and Real Property plans, implements Finance Services delivers advisory and operational and maintains information technology and information support to Members and their staff, as well as to the management services for Members and the House Administration, in the areas of policy and financial Administration. In addition, this service area is planning, financial management, and materiel and responsible for facility renovations as part of the Long contract management. Term Vision and Plan.
Corporate Security Office Parliamentary Precinct Operations The Corporate Security Office is responsible for Parliamentary Precinct Operations provides efficient ensuring security on the floor of the House of Commons and modern operational support to ensure a functional Chamber, conducting investigations, coordinating work environment for Members and the Administration. visitor and event access, ensuring security awareness, This includes areas such as trades, tenant operations, and administrating parking services. It also develops room allocations, catering and restaurants, postal and implements House-wide administrative security and messenger services, transportation, printing and policies, standards, and processes aimed at preventing, mailing, as well as maintenance and material handling. detecting and responding to security risks and threats.
Human Resources Services Press Gallery Secretariat Human Resources Services offers a range of services The Press Gallery Secretariat is responsible for the and support to Members and their staff, as well as to technical and administrative infrastructure for the the Administration, in the areas of talent management, Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. The Secretariat employee relations, pay and benefits, occupational directs the activities of a wide variety of specialized health and safety, and organizational effectiveness. services, such as management of press conferences, media accreditation, audio-technical set-ups for scrums, access control to media lock-ups, and distribution of press releases.
House of Commons | Report to Canadians 43 Highlight from the Hill