UP THE HILL
If the flag flies during the day, it means that they’re meeting. But, if
a red light shines at the top of the flagpole at night, it means they’ve
gone home.
Who are they? They are the lawmakers of Canada. One group of lawmakers
are members of the House of Commons. They are called commoners. The
other group of lawmakers are members of the Senate. They are called
senators. The commoners and senators meet in the Parliament Buildings on
Parliament Hill in the city of Ottawa.
One of the Parliament Buildings has a tall tower that’s known as the
Peace Tower. That’s where the flag flies and the light shines. The Peace
Tower also has a big clock and many bells. The smallest bell weighs
about as much as a newborn baby, and the largest weighs more than three
newborn whales. Sometimes songs are played on the bells. But no matter
how many songs are played, the last two are always “O Canada” and “God
Save the Queen.”
Canadian guardsmen march in front of the Peace Tower in Ottawa.
