On Dec. 12, 2018, MPs spent some of their final moments inside the House of Commons chamber before the Christmas break and move to West Block.
Above them, the intricate sculptures and woodwork, the wrought-iron and opal chandeliers, the canvas ceiling with Canada’s various coats of arms, the stained glass windows commissioned in 1967 as a Centennial project, and the broadcast lights installed in 1977 as TV coverage came to the Commons.
There were tributes to Centre Block's history during Members’ Statements. After that, a boisterous question period unfolded before packed public and press galleries.
Part of the back-and-forth saw Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer offered Christmas wishes to each other and the rest of the House.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau comments on the temporary closure of Centre Block as it prepares to undergo extensive renovations:
"Democracy happens whenever MPs gather, roll up their sleeves, get to work on building a better future for Canadians." #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/wsUiV2CcNM — CPAC (@CPAC_TV) December 12, 2018
Official Opposition Leader Andrew Scheer on the temporary closure of Centre Block: " I am more confident than ever in the strength not of this building but of this institution...I count myself to be blessed to be among the few Canadians who get to come and work here." #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/5XZCZ85TCs
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) December 12, 2018
NDP parliamentary leader Guy Caron comments on Centre Block's temporary closure: "The evolution of our country is reflected within these walls and there's no doubt the upcoming renovations will open the door for further transformations." #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/z684zNlgOC
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) December 12, 2018
House of Commons Speaker Geoff Regan speaks on the closure of Centre Block: "Our parliamentary family is starting a new chapter in its history, but first we must finish this one and say au revoir to a place that has been so important to us." #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/AyfFUKE1dY
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) December 12, 2018
