December 7, 2011
  
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The Real Outsiders: Politically Disengaged Views on Politics and Democracy

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June 1, 2012
  
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Occupiers and Legislators: A Snapshot of Political Media Coverage

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February 11, 2024
  
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Humans of the House Podcast Wins Silver at the Canadian Online Publishing Awards

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Our Work

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Initiatives

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Democracy 360

Democracy 360

The Samara Centre’s Democracy 360 report cards provide a broad and ongoing assessment of the state of Canada’s democratic culture. Democracy 360 combines quantifiable indicators, focused on three areas: communication, participation, and political leadership. Instead of asking Canadians their opinions on current events, policy issues, or political personalities, the public opinion surveys underpinning this research focus on enduring indicators of democratic health and vitality: whether Canadians get involved in political decisions that affect them, whether communication channels between elected leaders and those they represent are open and being used effectively, and whether the electorate believes that MPs and political parties are capable of looking out for their interests. Democracy 360 allows Canadians to compare and assess their democracy over time. First published in 2015, the Democracy 360 was published again in 2017 and 2019 to measure improvement or decline.

Field Guide to Online Political Conversations

Field Guide to Online Political Conversations

Bringing together insights from the study of difficult conversations and social media, as well as Samara Centre survey data, The Field Guide to Online Political Conversations examines what’s going wrong in online civic discussion, why it matters, what government action we should expect, and how citizens can change the nature of online political conversations.

Teaching Resources

Teaching Resources

The Samara Centre for Democracy has developed teaching resources to help educators across different spaces teach about active citizenship in Canada. These resources are designed to empower students (and learners from all walks of life) so they can evaluate and participate in strengthening Canadian democracy. These resources provide an accessible way to enhance curriculum and programming about Canadian politics and society.

Projet d’entrevues avec les député∙es sortant∙es

Projet d’entrevues avec les député∙es sortant∙es

Le Centre Samara pour la démocratie a interrogé plus de 160 député∙es sortant∙es de toutes les couleurs politiques, dans le but d’en apprendre davantage sur la pratique de la politique au Canada. Le Projet d’entrevues avec les député∙es sortant∙es a débuté en 2008. Il s’agit de la première série d’entrevues systématiques avec les député∙es canadien∙nes sortant∙es.

Les Personnages de la Chambre : une baladodiffusion

Les Personnages de la Chambre : une baladodiffusion

Les Personnages de la Chambre est un nouveau balado qui présente six anciens et anciennes député.e.s de la Chambre des communes du Canada qui décrivent, dans leur propre voix, la réalité de cette profession.

Humans of the House Podcast

Humans of the House Podcast

You know what a politician sounds like on the job. But once they leave office, that’s when they can share what’s truly on their minds. Join host Sabreena Delhon as she speaks with former Members of Parliament, to hear, in their own words, what this job is really like. Their stories are woven together in a six-part series that explores an MPs path to politics, why they left, and what it cost them to serve their communities.

Democracy Monitor

Democracy Monitor

Democracy Monitor looks at the profound effect that COVID-19 had on the functioning of Canada’s democracy. Various themes explored in this series include: how legislatures (federal, provincial and territorial) sought to adapt during the pandemic, digital contact tracing, hybrid virtual Parliament, and how Canada compared in emergency lawmaking with other Westminster Parliaments.

MP Exit Interview

MP Exit Interview

The MP Exit Interview project is the first ever systematic collection of interviews with former Parliamentarians in Canada. Since 2008, the Samara Centre for Democracy has interviewed over 160 former Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum to learn more about the practice of politics in Canada. We continue to collect interviews on a rolling basis.

SAMbot

SAMbot

Online abuse is a barrier to civic engagement and active participation in our democracy. It can disrupt political conversations and even prevent people from entering politics. Our SAMbot project measures abusive content that candidates and political parties receive online during Canadian elections. We do this to illuminate the realities of abuse on the digital campaign trail and the barriers to civic engagement created by technology’s influence on our democratic culture. 

Publications

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Exploring engagement, toxicity, and civic conversations across online and offline spaces in the Toronto by-election.

Engagement and Abuse on Toronto's Digital Campaign Trail: The 2023 Toronto Mayoral By-election Report

Exploring engagement, toxicity, and civic conversations across online and offline spaces in the Toronto by-election.

How are our policies around elections limiting voter engagement - and what do we need from policymakers in order to make things better?

Who Cares About Toronto’s By-Election?

How are our policies around elections limiting voter engagement - and what do we need from policymakers in order to make things better?

SAMbot tracked toxic tweets in eight municipal elections across Canada by monitoring candidate and political party accounts.

Online Abuse in Local Elections: The SAMbot Municipal Report

SAMbot tracked toxic tweets in eight municipal elections across Canada by monitoring candidate and political party accounts.

We explain how ending free Twitter API access is a huge blow to research efforts.

Bring back the Bots: How Twitter’s latest change threatens our democracy

We explain how ending free Twitter API access is a huge blow to research efforts.

SAMbot tracked toxic tweets in the 2022 Federal election by monitoring the Twitter accounts of incumbent candidates and party leaders.

SAMbot 2021 Federal Election Report

SAMbot tracked toxic tweets in the 2022 Federal election by monitoring the Twitter accounts of incumbent candidates and party leaders.

SAMbot tracked toxic tweets in the 2022 Ontario election by monitoring the public Twitter accounts candidates and official parties.

SAMbot 2022 Ontario Election Report

SAMbot tracked toxic tweets in the 2022 Ontario election by monitoring the public Twitter accounts candidates and official parties.

Learn more about the state of youth civic learning and engagement in the context of the pandemic.

Learning Loss as Civic Loss: Addressing the Generational Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Youth Democratic Engagement

Learn more about the state of youth civic learning and engagement in the context of the pandemic.

We analyze survey data from municipal leaders across Canada to better understand how local politicians experience public life.

Locally Grown: A Survey of Municipal Politicians in Canada

We analyze survey data from municipal leaders across Canada to better understand how local politicians experience public life.

How did Canadians’ attitudes toward their democracy change with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Temperature Check: Canadian Democratic Attitudes in a Pandemic

How did Canadians’ attitudes toward their democracy change with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Federal political representatives in Canada share the democratic pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Representation in Isolation: Member of Parliament Survey 2020

Federal political representatives in Canada share the democratic pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

With other countries experiencing the negative consequences of digital contact tracing, we find that governance of such apps has been almost totally neglected, and argue this is an area where Canada can lead.

Digital Contact Tracing: A problem for democratic governance

With other countries experiencing the negative consequences of digital contact tracing, we find that governance of such apps has been almost totally neglected, and argue this is an area where Canada can lead.

As legislatures across Canada confront the crisis, we review the emergency responses taken in each province and territory (if any), and examine their recent steps to resume some degree of regular operations and parliamentary work.

Closer to the People? Adaptations to COVID-19 by Canada’s provincial and territorial legislatures

As legislatures across Canada confront the crisis, we review the emergency responses taken in each province and territory (if any), and examine their recent steps to resume some degree of regular operations and parliamentary work.

With governments struggling to adjust to the realities of physical distancing and restricted travel, we make the case for a hybrid virtual Parliament as the best option to keep our national legislature working throughout the pandemic.

Towards a Virtual Parliament: Design choices and democratic values

With governments struggling to adjust to the realities of physical distancing and restricted travel, we make the case for a hybrid virtual Parliament as the best option to keep our national legislature working throughout the pandemic.

As the crisis marches on, we compare how the parliaments of Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Canada were convened to pass emergency legislation, who got to participate, and what has been put in place to keep tabs on government.

Westminster Parliaments Compared: Four approaches to emergency lawmaking and scrutiny

As the crisis marches on, we compare how the parliaments of Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Canada were convened to pass emergency legislation, who got to participate, and what has been put in place to keep tabs on government.

After Parliament’s initial rounds of emergency lawmaking, we provide an evaluation of what our national legislature and leaders got right and what they got wrong.

Parliament Under Pressure: A Summary

After Parliament’s initial rounds of emergency lawmaking, we provide an evaluation of what our national legislature and leaders got right and what they got wrong.

After Parliament’s initial rounds of emergency lawmaking, we provide an evaluation of what our national legislature and leaders got right and what they got wrong.

Parliament Under Pressure: Evaluating Parliament's performance in response to COVID-19

After Parliament’s initial rounds of emergency lawmaking, we provide an evaluation of what our national legislature and leaders got right and what they got wrong.

Real House Lives

After the experience of a bruising election campaign, a new Parliament is a chance for a fresh start. For new Members of Parliament (MPs), taking their seat in the House of Commons is powerful, emotional, and memorable.

House Inspection: A retrospective of the 42nd Parliament

After the experience of a bruising election campaign, a new Parliament is a chance for a fresh start. For new Members of Parliament (MPs), taking their seat in the House of Commons is powerful, emotional, and memorable.

“Let’s Talk Digital” is a non-partisan initiative aiming to engage youth (12-25 years old) in a series of workshops and engagement opportunities on digital citizenship.

Let's Talk Digital

“Let’s Talk Digital” is a non-partisan initiative aiming to engage youth (12-25 years old) in a series of workshops and engagement opportunities on digital citizenship.

For many Canadians, social media has become a popular space to talk about politics. By allowing users to freely express their opinions and exchange ideas, social media can be a powerful tool to strengthen our democracy.

Field Guide to Online Political Conversations

For many Canadians, social media has become a popular space to talk about politics. By allowing users to freely express their opinions and exchange ideas, social media can be a powerful tool to strengthen our democracy.

Canada’s Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to represent their constituents by debating and voting on proposed legislation in the House of Commons.

The Reform Act Revisited

Canada’s Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to represent their constituents by debating and voting on proposed legislation in the House of Commons.

The 2015 federal election saw a stunning surge in youth participation. Turnout increased from the previous election in 2011 by nearly 40% among 18- to 29-year-olds—an unprecedented increase.

You Have Our Attention: Youth Political Engagement in Canada

The 2015 federal election saw a stunning surge in youth participation. Turnout increased from the previous election in 2011 by nearly 40% among 18- to 29-year-olds—an unprecedented increase.

Pries open the “black box” of nomination contests in Canada to examine how political parties select candidates.

Party Favours: How Federal Election Candidates Are Chosen

Pries open the “black box” of nomination contests in Canada to examine how political parties select candidates.

This report uses new data to help answer the question: is Canada having a populist moment? And if so, why is that a problem?

Don't Blame "The People": The Rise of Elite-Led Populism in Canada

This report uses new data to help answer the question: is Canada having a populist moment? And if so, why is that a problem?

This is the Samara Centre for Democracy’s third edition of the Democracy 360, a made-in-Canada report card on the state of Canada’s democracy.

2019 Democracy 360

This is the Samara Centre for Democracy’s third edition of the Democracy 360, a made-in-Canada report card on the state of Canada’s democracy.

What civic literacy is, why it matters, and how we can foster a more civically literate public.

Investing in Canadians' Civic Literacy

What civic literacy is, why it matters, and how we can foster a more civically literate public.

In the spring of 2018, 266 political staff of Members of Parliament, Cabinet Ministers, and Senators took part in an anonymous survey about their perception and experiences of sexual harassment and assault in their workplace.

Elephant on the Hill

In the spring of 2018, 266 political staff of Members of Parliament, Cabinet Ministers, and Senators took part in an anonymous survey about their perception and experiences of sexual harassment and assault in their workplace.

Peeking behind the curtain into the hidden world of leader-dominated, hyper-partisan party caucuses.

The Real House Lives: Strengthening the Role of MPs in an Age of Partisanship

Peeking behind the curtain into the hidden world of leader-dominated, hyper-partisan party caucuses.

A new vision for constituency offices as civic hubs and outposts of Parliament, rather than service centres.

Beyond the Barbecue: Reimagining Constituency Work for Local Democratic Engagement

A new vision for constituency offices as civic hubs and outposts of Parliament, rather than service centres.

Elected representatives are critical in returning our representative democracy to health. But in Canada, Members of Parliament have been drifting away for decades from the essential work citizens require of them—of legislation, representation, and scrutiny.

Flip the Script: Reclaiming the legislature to reinvigorate representative democracy

Elected representatives are critical in returning our representative democracy to health. But in Canada, Members of Parliament have been drifting away for decades from the essential work citizens require of them—of legislation, representation, and scrutiny.

In the spring of 2018, the Samara Centre for Democracy continued its annual tradition of surveying current Members of Parliament.

The 2018 Member of Parliament Survey

In the spring of 2018, the Samara Centre for Democracy continued its annual tradition of surveying current Members of Parliament.

That's the gentle, colourless way that Hansard, Parliament's official written record, has often recorded heckling in the House of Commons for the last 150 years. But "Oh, oh" is an understatement.

No One Is Listening: Incivility in the 42nd Parliament, and how to fix it

That's the gentle, colourless way that Hansard, Parliament's official written record, has often recorded heckling in the House of Commons for the last 150 years. But "Oh, oh" is an understatement.

Our second comprehensive report card on the health of Canadian democracy, examining how Canadians communicate, participate, and lead in politics.

2017 Democracy 360

Our second comprehensive report card on the health of Canadian democracy, examining how Canadians communicate, participate, and lead in politics.

The 2015 election reversed a 20-year decline in voter turnout, bringing overall voter turnout from 61% in 2011 up to a surprising 68%, which is a sizeable change in voting behaviour, rarely seen in federal elections.

Can You Hear Me Now? Young People and the 2015 Federal Election

The 2015 election reversed a 20-year decline in voter turnout, bringing overall voter turnout from 61% in 2011 up to a surprising 68%, which is a sizeable change in voting behaviour, rarely seen in federal elections.

A national conversation about how we, as citizens, choose our representatives is an excellent opportunity to get Canadians engaged—to make democracy more accessible, more familiar, and more relevant to them.

What We Talk About When We Talk About Electoral Reform

A national conversation about how we, as citizens, choose our representatives is an excellent opportunity to get Canadians engaged—to make democracy more accessible, more familiar, and more relevant to them.

In the spring of 2015, the Samara Centre surveyed Members of the 41st Parliament on their experiences with heckling in the House of Commons.

Cheering or Jeering? Members of Parliament Open Up About Civility in the House of Commons

In the spring of 2015, the Samara Centre surveyed Members of the 41st Parliament on their experiences with heckling in the House of Commons.

Every new session of Parliament begins with a Speech from the Throne. What is it and why do we need it?

What is a Speech from the Throne?

Every new session of Parliament begins with a Speech from the Throne. What is it and why do we need it?

Over the last 30 years, Canadians have watched with concern as voting rates among younger people have declined, with the result that in the 2011 federal election, the majority of young people opted not to cast a vote.

Message Not Delivered: The Myth of Apathetic Youth and the Importance of Contact in Political Participation

Over the last 30 years, Canadians have watched with concern as voting rates among younger people have declined, with the result that in the 2011 federal election, the majority of young people opted not to cast a vote.

Samara's Democracy 360, a report card on the state of Canada's democracy, focuses on the complex relationship between citizens and political leadership.

2015 Democracy 360

Samara's Democracy 360, a report card on the state of Canada's democracy, focuses on the complex relationship between citizens and political leadership.

In 2014, Parliament passed The Reform Act with overwhelming cross-party support. The hope was to incrementally democratize party caucuses in Parliament, by shifting certain powers from the leader back to Members of Parliament (MPs).

The Reform Act

In 2014, Parliament passed The Reform Act with overwhelming cross-party support. The hope was to incrementally democratize party caucuses in Parliament, by shifting certain powers from the leader back to Members of Parliament (MPs).

Tragedy in the Commons is a 2014 book written by the co-founders of The Samara Centre for Democracy, Alison Loat and Michael MacMillan

Tragedy in the Commons: Former Members of Parliament Speak Out about Canada's Failing Democracy

Tragedy in the Commons is a 2014 book written by the co-founders of The Samara Centre for Democracy, Alison Loat and Michael MacMillan

An exploration of Canadians’ perceptions of political parties from a new angle—what Canadians think parties should be doing, and how well they are performing those roles.

By Invitation Only: Canadians' perceptions of political parties

An exploration of Canadians’ perceptions of political parties from a new angle—what Canadians think parties should be doing, and how well they are performing those roles.

Volunteering and donating to charitable causes are considered important parts of being Canadian, rightfully celebrated and encouraged as a means to improve this country.

Lightweights? Political Participation Beyond the Ballot Box

Volunteering and donating to charitable causes are considered important parts of being Canadian, rightfully celebrated and encouraged as a means to improve this country.

Examining the extent to which Canadians' priorities are reflected in the House of Commons, comparing data on public opinion and parliamentary activity.

Lost in Translation or Just Lost? Canadians' priorities in the House of Commons

Examining the extent to which Canadians' priorities are reflected in the House of Commons, comparing data on public opinion and parliamentary activity.

How Canadians evaluate the performance of their elected representatives—based on our 2014 Citizen Survey.

Who's the Boss? Canadians' Views on Their Democracy

How Canadians evaluate the performance of their elected representatives—based on our 2014 Citizen Survey.

An analysis of national media coverage of grassroots politics versus institutional politics.

Occupiers and Legislators: A Snapshot of Political Media Coverage

An analysis of national media coverage of grassroots politics versus institutional politics.

Turned off? Tuned out? Dropped out? Evidence indicates that many Canadians are not interested in politics.

The Real Outsiders: Politically Disengaged Views on Politics and Democracy

Turned off? Tuned out? Dropped out? Evidence indicates that many Canadians are not interested in politics.

Lessons from former MPs for a healthier political life and better representation.

The Outsiders' Manifesto: Surviving and Thriving as a Member of Parliament

Lessons from former MPs for a healthier political life and better representation.

Stories of party dominance and micromanagement, which get in the way of effective democratic representation.

It's My Party: Parliamentary Dysfunction Reconsidered

Stories of party dominance and micromanagement, which get in the way of effective democratic representation.

The chaotic, unsupported process of becoming a parliamentarian, and the confusion it creates.

Welcome to Parliament: A Job With No Description

The chaotic, unsupported process of becoming a parliamentarian, and the confusion it creates.

Former MPs describe their unexpected paths into public life.

The Accidental Citizen?

Former MPs describe their unexpected paths into public life.

News

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Samara Centre for Democracy Advises on Safer Working Conditions for Elected Officials

Samara Centre for Democracy Advises on Safer Working Conditions for Elected Officials

Samara Centre for Democracy Advises on Safer Working Conditions for Elected Officials Before the Standing Committee on Procedures and House Affairs

CEO Sabreena Delhon in The New York Times

CEO Sabreena Delhon in The New York Times

Our CEO Sabreena Delhon was interviewed by The New York Times about foreign interference in Canadian nomination races.

Humans of the House Nominated for RTDNA Award

Humans of the House Nominated for RTDNA Award

The Samara Centre for Democracy’s podcast Humans of the House is a national finalist in the best podcast category of the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) 2024 Awards. 

The Samara Centre for Democracy Welcomes Three New Board Members

The Samara Centre for Democracy Welcomes Three New Board Members

The Samara Centre for Democracy welcomes three new members to our Board of Directors: The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, OC, Professor Kathleen Mahoney, KC, Professor Debra Thompson 

Les Personnages de la Chambre dans les médias

Les Personnages de la Chambre dans les médias

Les Personnages de la Chambre est, depuis plusieurs semaines, l’une des émissions les mieux placées dans la catégorie gouvernementale sur les balados d’Apple Podcasts (Canada).

Humans of the House Podcast Wins Silver at the Canadian Online Publishing Awards

Humans of the House Podcast Wins Silver at the Canadian Online Publishing Awards

The Samara Centre for Democracy and Media Girlfriends team were nominated in the Consumer category.

Samara Centre for Democracy 2023 Highlights

Samara Centre for Democracy 2023 Highlights

At the Samara Centre for Democracy our purpose is to make it easier for people to talk about and participate in politics. We want to move past simplistic commands like “you should run” or “you should vote” towards more nuanced and personal understandings about what it truly means to be civically engaged.

Samara Centre in the Media

Samara Centre in the Media

The Samara Centre for Democracy is frequently asked to provide commentary and analysis on a range of topics related to civic engagement and political participation. We regularly appear in print, broadcast and digital news networks across the country. 

Changing the workplace of Parliament Hill would change everything

Changing the workplace of Parliament Hill would change everything

Samara Centre’s Sabreena Delhon and Media Girlfriend's Hannah Sung on why a change in workplace culture on the hill could improve our democracy

Humans of the House in the Media

Humans of the House in the Media

Humans of the House has received national media coverage and has been the #1 show in the Government category for several weeks on Apple Podcasts where it has also been featured as a New & Noteworthy Special Series.

SAMbot In The Media

SAMbot In The Media

SAMbot has received national media coverage and been presented at meetings across governmental, policy, technology, human rights and academic spaces.

The Samara Centre for Democracy Welcomes Lisa LaFlamme and Jeilah Chan to Their Board of Directors

The Samara Centre for Democracy Welcomes Lisa LaFlamme and Jeilah Chan to Their Board of Directors

The Samara Centre for Democracy welcomes two new members to our Board of Directors.

The Promise and Perils of Digital: A Panel Discussion

The Promise and Perils of Digital: A Panel Discussion

This panel discusses how digital technology is shaping public engagement, journalism and our democracy.

A Look Back on 2022

A Look Back on 2022

A selection of highlights and publications from the Samara Centre in 2022.

Words Left Unsaid: Racial Inequality and Policy-Making in Canada

Words Left Unsaid: Racial Inequality and Policy-Making in Canada

Our Executive Director, Sabreena Delhon spoke on a panel discussion about race and policy-making in Canada.

Samara Centre for Democracy Advises on Hybrid Proceedings Before the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs

Samara Centre for Democracy Advises on Hybrid Proceedings Before the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs

We provided the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (PROC) recommendations for virtual hybrid House and committee proceedings.

New publication — Policy Options article examines how pandemic school closures have compromised the resilience of our democracy 

New publication — Policy Options article examines how pandemic school closures have compromised the resilience of our democracy 

Pandemic school closures not only damages achievement and well-being for students; it also compromises civic learning and engagement.

New Publication — Policy Options article examines how online toxicity is hindering civic engagement

New Publication — Policy Options article examines how online toxicity is hindering civic engagement

We share findings from the SAMbot project and discuss how online toxicity takes a toll on civic engagement.

Samara, Canada, and Democracy: A Consequential Moment

Samara, Canada, and Democracy: A Consequential Moment

Democracy is needed, now more than ever.

Introducing Our Next Executive Director: Sabreena Delhon

Introducing Our Next Executive Director: Sabreena Delhon

Introducing our new Executive Director for the Samara Centre for Democracy

Podcast

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Humans of the House Episode 6: Was It Worth It?

We’ve come to the final chapter of an MP’s civic journey. What is it like to leave office?

Humans of the House Episode 5: I'm Going to Say the F Word

What does it take for MPs to make a difference? We hear from former MPs about the changes they pushed for, and what it cost them.

Humans of the House Episode 4: Unwritten Rules

Humans of the House Episode 3: The Best/Worst Place I Ever Worked

What is Parliament Hill like as a workplace?

Humans of the House Episode 2: Show Up and Glow Up

So, you won an election and are officially a Member of Parliament. Now what?

Humans of the House Episode 1: You Wanna Run?

Would you ever run for political office? For many of us, “politician” is the last job title we’d ever consider.

Humans of the House: Trailer

In Humans of the House, we are on a journey that explores the human side of politics. Prepare to be surprised, maybe even moved, by the real lives of Members of Parliament.

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