A Parliament session is a set of meetings where elected representatives come together to debate and make laws in a structured way. They are crucial to our democracy as they allow members of the public to ask questions about policy and law making and leaders discuss issues that are important for their constituencies.
Parliament is in session for about 170 days each year with a long summer recess, a 2 week break around Christmas and Easter, and several weeks of recesses during half term. This does not include a few days each year when Parliament focuses on private member bills or the 13 day Winter Session.
Each session starts with a Speech from the Throne and ends either by a prorogation or dissolution of the House. Sessions are planned using a calendar and the Standing Orders (the rules of how Parliament operates) which set out daily meeting times and specify days when Parliament will not meet, many of them being statutory holidays.
Plenary sessions are open to the public with agendas published in advance. Duly accredited media representatives can be present for the duration of a plenary sitting. The rules of procedure also allow for members to propose agenda items. Speaking time for MPs is allocated according to a formula. The first fraction of speaking time is split equally amongst all groups and the remainder is ranked in the order of their group size. This system ensures that all political groups have the chance to have their voice heard in the House.