Red Chamber

Like the House of Commons, there is a space between the Senate itself and its main foyer area. In this space, the bust of a First Nations chief is found. So too is a bust of a woman.

As Canada's Parliament follows the traditions of Britain's Westminster system, the Senate colour scheme is red, a nod to the example of the British House of Lords. Senators are appointed by the government of the day as opposed to being elected. There are fewer Senators- 105 of them- compared to the 338 Members of Parliament. The speech from the throne, given at the start of a Parliamentary session, is done from here by the Governor General, sitting at the far end of the chamber where a bust of Queen Victoria can be glimpsed above the chairs. The rest of the time, the Speaker of The Senate presides over proceedings. While the tour group was in here, the present Speaker, George Furey, came in and wished everyone a happy new year. 

The details of the woodwork and architecture here are remarkable. The art adorning the walls is war art, depicting scenes from the First World War.