Script

Opening of a Sitting

Senate:

When the day's sitting begins, the Usher of the Black Rod, the Mace Bearer, the Speaker, two pages, the Clerk and the Senate table officers parade into the Senate Chamber. The Usher of the Black Rod carries the Black Rod, and the Mace Bearer carries the Mace over his or her right shoulder. The Mace Bearer places the Mace on the table in front of the Speaker to symbolize Parliament's authority and to signify that the Senate is in session. The Speaker orders that the doors be opened to allow the public to enter the galleries. The daily business then begins.

House of Commons:

When the day's sitting begins, the Sergeant-at-Arms, the Speaker and the Clerk parade into the House of Commons. The Sergeant-at-Arms carries the Mace, a ceremonial staff, over his or her right shoulder. He or she places it on a long table in front of the Speaker to symbolize Parliament's authority and to signify that the House of Commons is in session. The Speaker orders that the doors be opened to allow the public to enter the galleries. The daily business then begins.

Key Players

Senate: Speaker, Usher of the Black Rod, Mace Bearer, Clerk
House of Commons: Speaker, Sergeant-at-Arms, Clerk

Simulation

Senate:

Senators: [Take your seats and wait for the Speaker to enter the room. When the Speaker enters the room, all stand.]; [The Speaker stands by his or her chair, and the Usher of the Black Rod stands to the left of the Speaker. The Mace Bearer stands at the end of the table holding the Mace, and the Clerk stands by his or her chair at the table in front of the Speaker. The Speaker leads the class in singing O Canada.]
Senators: [Remain standing while O Canada is sung.]
Speaker: [While still standing, sing O Canada as a class.]

"O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all of us command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee."

Speaker: "Let the doors be opened." [Sit.]
Senators: [All sit.]; [The Mace Bearer places the Mace on the table and, with the Usher of the Black Rod, proceeds to his or her seat at the far end of the Chamber.]

House of Commons:

MPs: [Take your seats and wait for the Speaker to enter the room. When the Speaker enters the room, all stand.]; [The Speaker stands by his or her chair while the Sergeant-at-Arms puts the Mace on the table. The Sergeant-at-Arms and the Clerk then stand by their chairs. The Sergeant-at-Arms's chair is at the end of the Chamber opposite the Speaker's chair. The Clerk's chair is at the table in front of the Speaker. The Speaker then leads the class in singing O Canada.]
MPs: [Remain standing while O Canada is sung.]
Speaker: [While still standing, sing O Canada as a class.]

Speaker: "Let the doors be opened." [Sit.]
MPs: [All sit.]