On the House
An Inside Look at the House of Commons
A former House of Commons official’s personal account – a learning experience that will surprise.
Description
On a day-to-day basis, what does a newly elected Member of Parliament do? How does the House of Commons work? Drawing on his years of service to five majority and three minority parliaments, Rob Walsh shares first-hand insights into the inner workings of the House, beyond the political personalities that dominate its proceedings. Inside this unique public and political institution, laws are made, taxes are imposed, political issues are debated, and the government is held to account on behalf of all Canadians. The House is the national stage on which democracy plays itself out between elections. Neither a procedural manual nor an academic critique, On the House reveals, from Walsh’s perspective, the historical origins of the House, its constitutional place in the parliamentary system, the role of committees, legislation, and administration, and its democratic functions. Providing a deeper understanding of both the House’s successes and its failures Walsh celebrates the value of parliamentary democracy while acknowledging the continuing challenges that face it. On the House is a direct, accessible, and fascinating reflection on more than twenty years of experience in the House of Commons.
Reviews
"A fascinating discussion with insights that only someone well-immersed in the operations of the House of Commons can truly provide." Janet Hiebert, Queen's University and author of Charter Conflicts: What is Parliament’s Role?
"On the House makes a fresh contribution to the subject in light of its author's former position and his reputation. While Walsh illustrates his thesis with many modern examples – for instance the increasing use of omnibus bills by the Harper government and the difficulties these presented the House and the opposition parties in particular – the story he tells of the rise/triumph of parliamentary democracy is itself not new. It is the marrying of the old and the new, the traditional and the familiar, that sets this account apart." David E. Smith, Ryerson University and author of The Constitution in a Hall of Mirrors: Canada at 150
"Beginning with a preview of what being a first time MP is like, the author offers insight into areas such as the privileges that MPs have, including immunity for their statements during debate; the legislative process; the question period; and the role o