Secrets of Parliament’s Centre Block: The Opposition Leader’s angel
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. In these videos, we take you inside three key rooms, as Mizgala describes them and discusses what Pearson was trying to achieve.
Mural detail from the Opposition Leader’s office on Parliament Hill. It is believed that Mackenzie King asked to have his mother’s face painting into the face of this angel. (Photograph by Carla Antonio)