TheParliament of Canada isCanada's legislative branch, seated atParliament Hill inOttawa,Ontario. According to section 17 of theConstitution Act, 1867, Parliament consists of three components: the Sovereign, theSenate, and theHouse of Commons. The Sovereign is normally represented by theGovernor General, who appoints the 105 members of the Senate on the advice of thePrime Minister. The 308 members of the House of Commons are directly elected by the people, with each member representing a single electoral district (or riding). The democratically elected "Lower House", the House of Commons, is the dominant branch of the Canadian Parliament. The "Upper House", the Senate, rarely opposes the will of the other Chamber, and the duties of the Sovereign and Governor General are purely ceremonial. The Prime Minister and Cabinet must retain the support of a majority of Members of the Lower House in order to remain in office; they need not have the confidence of the Upper House. (more...)

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