Public Galleries

Visiting the 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.

Please consult the Senate calendar and House of Commons calendar to determine the scheduled sitting days for both Chambers.

How do I gain access to the public galleries?

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 for Question Period through a Member of Parliament’s office. Reservations are not required for debates outside of Question Period.

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