Our National Parliament - The Inside Story

Overview

• Title: Our National Parliament - The Inside Story
• Director: Jane Churchill
• Script: Martie Hooker, Clare Johnstone, Jill Golick, Jane Churchill
• Release Year: 1990
• Duration: 31 minutes
• Narrator: Sue Smith
• Music by: Bowser and Blue
• Provided by: National Film Board of Canada

Purpose

• The film aims to educate viewers about the inner workings of the Canadian Parliament.
• It is designed to show day-to-day life on Parliament Hill and how the legislative branch of government functions.
• A young parliamentary page serves as a guide to explain the roles of the Prime Minister, Cabinet, and opposition parties.

Key Topics Covered

• Roles and Responsibilities
  • Prime Minister
  • Cabinet
  • Opposition parties
  • Back-bench Members of Parliament (MPs)
• Legislation Process
  • Steps for a bill to become law:
    • Conception
    • Committee discussions
    • Passing through the Houses of Parliament
• Daily Parliamentary Activities
  • Insight into the roles and daily life of a back-bench MP.

Educational Component

• Target Audience: Ages 11 to 17
• Subjects Covered:
  • Civics/Citizenship
  • Federal/Provincial Government
  • History and Citizenship Education
  • Social Studies - Law

Teaching Suggestions

1. Research and present on:
   • Roles of official opposition, executive, privy council, legislative, and judicial branches.
   • Functions of a shadow cabinet, select committee, and standing committee.
   • Prime Minister's roles and obligations.
   • Duties of an MP.
   • Function of Question Period.
   • Process of a bill becoming an Act of Parliament.

Related Films

• "Local and Provincial Governments - Working Together"
• "The Champions, Part 3: The Final Battle"
• "Our Constitution - The Law of the Land"
• "Democracy at Work - It's Your Choice"

Availability

• Purchase Options: DVD available
• Platforms for Viewing: Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Apple App Store, Google Play Store

Additional Information

• Related Topics: Politics and Government - Canada
• Resources and Further Exploration:
  • Film titles, series, interactive works, playlists, subjects
  • Educational resources for teachers

Contact

• Director of Photography: John Sleeman, André Paul Therrien
• Editing: Tina Viljoen, Michèle Hozer
• Sound Editing: Wojtek Klis