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As Speaker of the House of Commons, I am pleased to present this institution's inaugural Report to Canadians. The document outlines the work done by Members of Parliament from April 2004 through March 2005, and reports on the administrative initiatives of the House of Commons in support of Members' activities. Members have grappled with tremendous changes and challenges over this past year. Seven new constituencies were added to Canada's electoral map, increasing the number of seats in the Chamber from 301 to 308. A general election held in June 2004 brought 101 first-time Members into the Thirty-eighth Parliament and produced the first minority government in a generation. While energetic exchanges during Question Period may attract media attention, the less publicized day-to-day work performed by Members is perhaps a more compelling expression of this country's democratic vitality. In the Chamber over the last year, Members considered pieces of legislation, tabled reports, and conducted debates on pressing national and international matters. Participating in the 20 standing committees of the House of Commons, they heard important testimony from witnesses and produced reports on legislation and other issues of public concern. And to bring these public deliberations directly to Canadians, the House of Commons continued to harness the power of innovative technologies -from live video and audio broadcasts to web-casting. From home town to global village, a Member's duties extend far beyond the confines of Parliament Hill. Over the past year Members continued to promote local initiatives in their ridings. They helped individuals access national programs and services, and served as ombudsmen between their constituents and government departments working to resolve problems and investigate issues. Members also shared their experiences and expertise with counterparts around the world. During the 2004-2005 fiscal year, Members attended conferences, participated in a variety of parliamentary associations, delegations and exchanges, and welcomed parliamentarians from around the world. Members at work rely on the support of the House of Commons Administration, a group of employees organized into five specialized areas to provide a wide array of products and services. In this report, the Administration describes its role "behind the scenes," indicating the progress made in relation to its strategic objectives in support of Members, and articulating its future plans to meet the challenges that come with serving a complex organization in a continually changing corporate and political environment. Together, the components of this Report to Canadians represent the multifaceted and essential role that Members play in Canada's political process. The report takes a further step toward making the activities of the House of Commons more visible and accessible to citizens, and toward enhancing the public's understanding and knowledge of the work of Members and the institution. I invite you to read this report, and to visit the Parliament of Canada Web site for its wealth of information. Sincerely,
The Honourable Peter Milliken, M.P. |
The Honourable Peter Milliken, M.P.
PHOTO : © HOUSE OF COMMONS/ |
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