What is the capital city of Canada and the seat of its central government?

The capital city of Canada and the seat of its central government is Ottawa. As the capital, Ottawa houses important national institutions such as the Parliament of Canada, where federal legislation is debated and made. It is also the location of the official residences of key government figures, including the Prime Minister and the Governor General. Ottawa's status as the capital was confirmed in 1857 when Queen Victoria chose it as the capital of the Province of Canada, primarily due to its strategic location along the Ottawa River, which helped to make it accessible and defensible. This central role in governance and its historical significance solidify Ottawa's position as the key city for the country's political affairs.