Library of Parliament

Behind the Center Block, you can admire the stunning Library of Parliament. Established in 1871, it regroups collections from two former legislative libraries in Upper and Lower Canada, which, as you may recall, were once separate entities. When Upper and Lower Canada were unified in 1841, and Ottawa was chosen as the nation’s capital, the construction of Parliament buildings began. This includes the library you see before you, completed in 1876. It is the only part in Center Block that survived the devastating fire of 1916. Restored in 2006, the library now features a magnificent statue of Queen Victoria, breathtaking architectural details, and an extensive collection of books used by legislators for research. Today, it has over 600,000 titles, accessible to both parliamentarians and the general public. Surrounding the library, you’ll find statues that trace Canada’s history through its most influential figures. Among them are Alexander Mackenzie, one of Canada’s greatest explorers; Thomas D’Arcy McGee, a Father of Confederation; John Diefenbaker, a former Prime Minister; and Robert Baldwin, who served as Prime Minister of Canada before Confederation. You’ll also discover a tribute to the Famous Five—five women who, in 1927, petitioned the Supreme Court to demand women’s rights to be recognised as “persons” under the law. They denounced the absence of women in the country’s highest institutions, particularly the Senate. Thanks to them, Cairine Wilson became the first woman appointed to the Senate in 1930. As you arrived in front, you may have noticed a bell. It once belonged to the tower of the original Centre Block, then known as the Victoria Tower, completely destroyed in the 1916 fire and later replaced by the Peace Tower. A little further on, another monarch is honored—Queen Elizabeth II—whose statue proudly stands behind the East Block. Here, history comes to life through the figures who shaped Canada, offering you a deeper understanding of the nation’s past and its enduring legacy!