The Sergeant-at-Arms is a senior official of the House and performs various roles. Within the Chamber, some of these responsibilities are of a traditional or ceremonial nature.
The Sergeant-at-Arms (or his or her assistant) sits at a desk in front of the Bar on the Opposition side of the House. The Sergeant-at-Arms is the guardian of the Mace (the ornately embellished staff symbolizing the authority of the Speaker), which rests on the Table during sittings of the House.
The ceremonial role of the Sergeant-at-Arms entails accompanying the Speaker, as Mace-bearer, in all parliamentary functions (for example, in the parade escorting the Speaker to and from the Chamber, or to the Senate Chamber for the reading of the Speech from the Throne or for Royal Assent ceremonies).
When engaged in ceremonial functions and when attending sittings of the House, the Sergeant-at-Arms is formally attired in black tailcoat and cocked hat, with a sword signifying the authority of the office.
Election of the Speaker
Sergeant-at-Arms greets the Usher of the Black Rod at the Northern Doors.