Tour the Hill > After the fire & Reconstruction
After the fire & Reconstruction
Construction of the new Centre Block began on July 24, 1916. Parliament would have its first official sitting in the new building on February 26, 1920, although the Centre Block would not be fully completed until two years later.
In 1919, the Prince of Wales, Edward VIII, laid the corner stone of “The Tower of Victory and Peace” which today is known as the Peace Tower. The Peace Tower contains the Memorial Chapel, which commemorates the lives of more than 118,000 Canadians who, since Confederation, have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving Canada in uniform.
The Memorial Chapel contains the following seven books of remembrance for those who gave up their lives in defence of their country:
- First World War Book of Remembrance, the largest, commemorates the names of 66,000 men and women.
- Second World War Book of Remembrance commemorates the names of 44,000 men and women.
- The Newfoundland Book of Remembrance commemorates the names of 2,300 men and women of Newfoundland, before Newfoundland became a province of Canada on April 1, 1949.
- The Korean War Book of Remembrance commemorates the names of 516 men and women.
- The South African War/Nile Expedition Book of Remembrance commemorates 267 Canadians who died during the South African War (1899-1902) and the Nile Expedition (1884-1885).
- The Merchant Navy Book of Remembrance commemorates the 570 men and women of the Merchant Marine who gave their lives while serving Canada at sea during both the First World War and the 1,600 who were killed in action during the Second World War.
- In the Service of Canada Book of Remembrance commemorates, at the time of dedication, the 1,300 members of the Canadian Armed Forces who have died while on duty since October 1, 1947, except those who are commemorated in the Korean War Book of Remembrance.
On a daily basis the Commissioners of the Centre Block turn a page in each volume to display the names of the fallen.
Guided Tours of the Centre Block of the Canadian Parliament can be arranged by visiting Parliament of Canada Visitor Information web page.
Sources and further reading
Web
Visit Canada's Parliament - Parliament of Canada