Key Functions and Roles of Members
In addition to their role of representing constituents, some members of Parliament play additional roles within the parliamentary system.
The Speaker is elected by the other members of the House of Commons to preside over proceedings in the chamber. The Speaker also oversees the administration of the House and is the spokesperson and representative of the House of Commons.
The cabinet, formed of the Prime Minister and the ministers he or she chooses, is the key decision-making forum in the Canadian government, responsible for its administration and the establishment of its policy. Parliamentary secretaries are members named to assist ministers in their parliamentary functions.