The style of government is taken from the English form created by King Henry VIII when he gathered advisors to sit at Westminster Abby hundreds of years ago. Every 4 or 5 years there is a general election. During this, a Prime Minister and 301 members of the House of Commons are elected. As soon as the Prime Minister is able, he delivers a list of names to the Governor General of persons he wishes to be appointed as Senators. The actual appointment to the Senate being done by the Governor General. With some exceptions, bills or legislation originates from Cabinet Members or the Prime Minister and is introduced into the House Of Commons. Here it is debated, modified and formalized before being sent to the Senate. The senate provides a review to the proposed legislation. The legislation's final step is to receive Royal Assent from the Governor General or her representative. The Centre Block, constructed between 1916 and 1920, houses the chambers for the Senate and the House of Commons, along with offices for the various cabinet ministers. The House of Commons, decorated in traditional green, occupies the west half of Centre Block. In the chamber, 301 elected members assemble to represent the many different concerns and perspectives of constituents across Canada. The Senate occupies the east half of Center Block. It has been called Parliament's chamber of "Sober second thought," as it exists to ensure all legislation receives thoughtful consideration. There are 105 senators appointed and each represents a specific region of Canada. As Parliament's upper chamber, decorated in traditional red, it is the place where the Queen or her representative, the Governor General, addresses Parliament and gives Royal Assent to legislation. In the back, overlooking the Ottawa River. The Library of Parliament was designed by Thomas Fuller and Chilion Jones. The Library of Parliament opened in 1876. It is all that remains of the original Parliament building which burned in 1916. The interior was refinished in 1952 following a fire. The library provides information reference and research services to members of Parliament. The most prominent structure to the Centre Block is the Peace Tower: built from 1919 to 1927, it is dedicated to the more than 60,000 Canadian soldiers who gave their lives on the battlefields of Europe during WWI. Standing 302 feet 6 inches tall, it is a campanile: a free-standing bell tower. In additional to the bells which chime the quarter hours and strike the hours, the 53 tuned bells of the carillon are hidden inside the tower and are played during the summer months. The grounds around the Centre Block is designed in a garden setting to accent the many statues and adorn the Hill. This is an open area for which we were free to wander. A strange place was found around back. It seems that Parliament Hill has been a home to stray cats for decades. However, it is only since the 1970's that volunteers have paid special care and attention to these animals: creating the "cat sanctuary" where cats raccoons, groundhogs and other warm blooded creatures both wild and domestic can get a good meal and a place to sleep. The somewhat shabby looking open air animal shelter is in sharp contrast to the crisp pomp and ceremony of the Capital buildings. Yet it seemed somehow appropriate in representing Canada's attitude of tolerance and compassion. I would put this adventure on the list of anybody who has a free day. The views are great and the crowds not overbearing.

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