Secrets of Parliament’s Centre Block: Prime Minister as ship’s captain

On Feb. 3, 1916, fire destroyed Canada’s original Parliament building, which had officially opened in 1866. After the charred rubble was cleared, the Centre Block we know today rose in its place, complete with its iconic Peace Tower. Johanna Mizgala, curator of the House of Commons heritage collection, spoke with Maclean’s about Toronto architect John Pearson’s vision for the building he put at the heart of Canadian democracy. We take you inside three key rooms, as Mizgala describes them and discusses what Pearson was trying to achieve.