All MPs and Senators on Parliament Hill collaborate, socialize, etc. ad nauseaum  - it is definitely an 'old boys / old girls' club.

The grandest theatre in the land  if the truth be known.

Speeches are crafted and planned as is the appropriate umbrage. 

It is all done to make sure the MP's constituents believe that he/she is performing as expected in the eyes of the voters.

The real power is in the bureaucracy - "yes Minister - 3 bags full sir!"