When it first convened in 1867, the House of Commons had 181 Members. Today, that number has risen to 338 to keep pace with Canada’s geographic expansion and growing population. Every Member of Parliament is elected to represent a constituency in the House. Just as Canada’s population has changed since 1867, so has the makeup of our nation’s constituencies and the Members elected to represent them, making today’s Parliament the most diverse in our history.

• Constituencies
• Members in their role as employers
• About Members of Parliament

Members’ employees assist them in their parliamentary functions. They are recruited directly by the Member, who determines their job responsibilities, hours of work, and pay rate.

Members’ employees usually work in either a Member’s Hill office in Ottawa or in a constituency office. Responsibilities include research and policy analysis, as well as liaising with constituents, writing press releases, and managing website and social media content.

Member support from the House Administration

The House Administration supports Members in their role as employers to help them better focus on their work as parliamentarians. One example is the comprehensive, online training program to assist Members and employees in managing their office operations.

This past year, the House launched a new application to allow Members to easily submit employment-related requests such as for employee recruitment, salary changes, acting appointments, and position changes. The system aims to improve the user experience by reducing the administrative burden on Members and streamlining related processes for employees and candidates.

Parliamentary Internship Programme

Every year since 1970, the Parliamentary Internship Programme has welcomed 10 young professionals to Parliament Hill from September through June. The paid, non-partisan interns are selected through a national competition.

• Learn more about the Programme, which gives participants a closer look at the way our parliamentary system works.

Members’ employees are entitled to a safe and healthy work environment, whether in the Parliamentary Precinct or in a constituency office. The House Administration offers resources and training sessions to both Members and employees to raise awareness on health, safety and wellness programs and the prevention of harassment and violence in the workplace. As employers, Members play an essential role in ensuring a respectful work environment, and tools are in place to support them.

• Read about the status of health and safety initiatives that the House Administration has put in place since the coming into force of Bill C-65 in the Reporting on Results section.

Have you ever wondered how Members of Parliament settle into their offices on the Hill following an election? After dissolution, an office move team is established within the Administration. Last fall, a cross-sectional group of employees with experience and knowledge about House operations completed 99 moves in one month.

The Administration also ensures a smooth transition in the delivery of services to constituents by supporting newly elected Members in establishing their constituency offices. Different teams assist in reviewing office leases and material, as well as provide technical assistance to make sure offices are fully furnished, equipped and connected.