The Parliament which had been prorogued on February 2, 1996, met this day at Ottawa for the dispatch of business.

The House met at two o'clock, the Speaker in the chair.

The Speaker read a communication from the Secretary to the Governor General announcing that His Excellency the Governor General would proceed to the Senate chamber at 1.50 p.m. on this day for the purpose of formally opening the Second Session of the 35th Parliament of Canada.

A message was delivered by the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod as follows:

Mr. Speaker, His Excellency the Governor General desires the immediate attendance of this honourable House in the chamber of the honourable the Senate.

Accordingly, the Speaker, with the House went up to the Senate chamber.

And being returned to the Commons chamber: