Who leads Parliament?

There are a number of leadership positions representing the Parliament of Canada, or individual Houses of Parliament. There is not, however, a single individual who "leads" Parliament or who acts as a spokesperson for the entire institution.

There are three components of Parliament.

The Queen

Her Majesty the Queen is represented by His Excellency The Right Honourable David Johnston C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D., F.R.S.C., the Governor General of Canada. His Excellency is responsible for summoning, proroguing, and dissolving Parliament; reading the throne speech at the start of each session to relay the Government's agenda; and ensuring that there is always a prime minister supported by the House of Commons.

The Senate

The Senate consists of 105 senators, appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the prime minister. The Senate is represented at ceremonial functions by The Honourable Senator Noël Kinsella (Fredericton-York-Sunbury), the Speaker of the Senate; a considerable leadership role is also played by Senator the Honourable Marjory LeBretonP.C. (Ontario), the Leader of Her Majesty's Government in the Senate.

The House of Commons

The House of Commons consists of 308 members, elected from individual electoral districts. Members of the House are represented at ceremonial functions by The Honourable Andrew Scheer M.P. (Regina-Qu'Appelle), the Speaker of the House of Commons.