“As a building representing Confederation, it contains ornaments depicting aspects of the country’s population, whether through different occupations or the symbols referring to national roots in France, England, Scotland, and Ireland (fleur-de-lis, rose, thistle, and shamrock), in addition to the maple leaf,” says Michael Windover, architectural historian. “This kind of imagery ought to be read historically and critically today as we consider the power dynamics that led to the establishment and growth of the Federal Government at the expense of indigenous peoples and through the exploitation of others not represented in the decorative scheme.” Photo credit: Brett Thoms