Information you will need to know for the midterm on Oct. 11

Follow this link to a posting I made last year with some key information on the government of Canada and the Canadian constitution and Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Some of the questions I may ask could include the number of seats in the House of Commons and the Senate, the role of the Governor General, the differences between the Canadian and US governments, key dates in the history of Canada's constitution, and some of the fundamental parts of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

You'll also need to know the basics of Canadian geography, of course, and some of the key dates in Canadian history we talked about in class.

Ottawa itinerary

We'll be adding a few more specific details to our Ottawa itinerary in the coming week or so, but here is a pretty complete look at what we'll be up to while we're there.

THURSDAY:

Depart from south side of Waterman Building (College Street) at 7:00 AM sharp. Arrive at 6:45 in order to assure a prompt departure, because Parliament won't wait for us (and we can't wait for you). Students ought to be dressed for Parliament (i.e. "business attire" -jackets and ties for men) because there is no time/place to change once we are on the bus. We will plan on arriving at St. Michael's at 7:05 to pick up the St. Mike's group.

Brief lunch at the Rideau Centre in Ottawa before walking over to Parliament.

Arrive at Parliament at 1:00 to get through security and line up for Question Period.

Attend Question Period from 2:00-3:00

Meet with Members of Parliament from 3:15-4:15 in the Commonwealth Room (room 238F).

4:30-5:00: Check in at the Lord Elgin Hotel

5:30: Group meeting in Pearson room at Lord Elgin

Dinner on your own

FRIDAY:

Breakfast on your own.

9:00-3:30: Tour at the National Gallery of Canada and visit the Canadian Museum of Civilization. (Grp1: NG10am, CMC1pm; Grp2: CMC9am, NG 1pm)

Lunch on your own at National Gallery or Museum of Civilization.

4:30-6:30: Walk over to National Arts Centre for reception in the Fountain Room – DRESS CODE: “business attire."

7:00: bus leaves for hockey game, Ottawa 67s vs. Peterborough Petes at Ottawa Civic Centre.

Saturday:

Check out of Lord Elgin by 9 AM.

9:30: Bus leaves for tour of Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General.

Take bus from Rideau Hall to Parliament for guided tour.

Lunch on your own in Ottawa

Depart for Burlington

PARTICIPANTS SHOULD NOTE:

Crossing the border: A passport or birth certificate and photo ID (driver's license) is now required as proof of citizenship to cross the US-Canadian border.

Dress Code: Dress is "business attire" for Thursday’s Parliament visit and Friday’s reception, and "neat and clean" for Friday museum visits and for Saturday morning. In general, pack for chilly weather.

Money: Catering at Arts Centre reception is "on us". $75 - 100US should cover other meals. We suggest that students exchange at least some of this at a local Burlington bank before October 18.

Ground Rules: Attendance and participation at all scheduled activities is required. "Downtime" is your own. Be aware that your conduct and actions represent UVM, St. Mike's, Vermont, and the USA.