Members’ Snapshot
Constituents elect Members of Parliament to represent them in the House of Commons. Members bring their diverse backgrounds and points of view to the House, allowing for a better representation of the issues facing different groups across Canada.
Constituencies
Each of Canada’s 338 constituencies (also called ridings or electoral districts) has a representative in the House of Commons, called “Member of Parliament.” Members are the link between Parliament and Canadians. They speak to their constituents’ views in the House and support them in their constituency offices.
Every year, Members of Parliament and their staff process thousands of requests from constituents looking for help from the government. Members can help constituents connect with programs and services, including the following:
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Employment insurance
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Disability pensions
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Veteran support
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Passports and immigration
Move around the map to see the distribution of Canada’s 338 constituencies.
About Members of Parliament
Members of Parliament by the numbers
Since 1867, Members have been supporting Canadian democracy and standing for the citizens who elect them. Much like the times, the face of Parliament is constantly changing.
As of March 31, 2024
Party standings
A party must hold at least 12 seats in the House of Commons to be recognized. Recognition means that the party receives funding for research and staff. It also means that the party can more regularly take part in the proceedings of the House and its committees.
Seats held by each political party in the House of Commons (as of March 31, 2024)
Family-friendly environment
Members normally work long hours and don’t have a regular schedule. Helping Members with different personal realities to achieve good work-life balance has become even more important.
The House of Commons offers many services to help Members fulfill their responsibilities while caring for their families. The West Block building, where the interim Chamber is located, has a family room for the spouses and young children of Members. The room is equipped with family necessities like a crib, a bottle warmer, a highchair and a play mat. Members and their employees also have access to an independently run daycare located in the parliamentary precinct. This service is bilingual and is charged as personal expenses to Members and their employees.
Other family-friendly services are offered in the parliamentary precinct, such as reserved parking spaces, shuttle buses that take strollers, and child-friendly food options in cafeterias with highchairs. The House continually reviews these resources to make sure that they meet the needs of Members with infants and young children.
