Attend parliament debates in-person

Visitors are welcome to watch live chamber proceedings and committee meetings in-person in Ottawa whenever Parliament is in session.

House of Commons

Please consult the House of Commons calendar to confirm when the chamber is sitting at 111 Wellington St. Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6.

Senate

Please consult the Senate calendar to confirm when the chamber is sitting at 2 Rideau St. Ottawa, ON K1N 8X5

Visit the Senate or the House of Commons for updated meeting schedules and information on how to attend.

Visitor guidelines

• Access to the public galleries is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact your Member of Parliament if you would like to attend Question Period in the House of Commons.
• All visitors must pass through security screening. Alternate security arrangements can be made for pregnant persons, as well as visitors with pacemakers and other medical needs.
• Only one (1) bag smaller than 35.5 cm x 30.5 cm x 19 cm (14” x 12” x 7.5”) is permitted per visitor.
• Some items are not permitted in the public galleries, including cameras, recording devices, binoculars, umbrellas, overcoats, bags and parcels. For a full list of restricted items, please contact the Parliamentary Protective Service at pps.parl.ca or 613-995-4300.
• Visitors may not read, write or speak during debates. Participating in any form of demonstration is prohibited.
• Visitors are asked not to leave or enter the galleries when a vote is in progress.
• At a minimum, visitors are required to wear casual dress and footwear. Hats must be removed in the galleries, though traditional and religious headwear is permitted.

Committee meetings

Most Senate and House of Commons committee meetings are open to the public. Meetings usually take place at the Parliament Buildings in downtown Ottawa, although they may also occur in other parts of Canada.