Parliamentary committees

The extent and complexity of parliamentary business, and the large number of MPs and senators, make it difficult to examine political and social issues in detail during normal sittings. For this reason, both Houses have committees.

Parliamentary committees can be made up of MPs, senators or both together in the case of joint committees. Committee members have only the powers granted by their respective Houses, and it is to the Houses that they must report on their activities. Committees offer many advantages. They are a better forum than the Chamber of the House of Commons itself for hearing the opinions, explanations and testimony of persons other than MPs and senators—for example, ministers, senior officials and experts in the field. And in committees, discussions between parliamentarians are more direct and productive. The House of Commons and the Senate can thus accomplish more with committees.