Federal Elections in Canada
Citizens elect Members of Parliament (MPs) to represent them in the House of Commons (may re-elect the same member again).
Elections are held at least every 4 years (on the third Monday in October).
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It can also happen earlier if called by the Prime Minister.
To Vote, You Must Be:
A Canadian citizen.
18 years or older on voting day.
On the voters’ list.
Voters’ List & Information Card
Voter’s list produced from the National Register of Electors (Database of Canadians).
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Maintained by Elections Canada (neutral agency).
You receive a voter information card showing where and when to vote.
If not on the list, you can register anytime, even on election day.
Secret Ballot - No one has the right to insist that you tell them how you voted.
Voting Process
Voter information card – confirms your info and polling station.
Didn’t get a card? – Call the local Elections office or Elections Canada.
Advance poll / special ballot – Available if you can’t vote on election day.
Election day – Go to your polling station with your voter information card and your ID.
Mark the ballot – Put an “X” beside your chosen candidate.
Secret ballot – Voting is private and confidential.
Ballot box – Return it to the poll officials and place it in the box.
Election results – Counted publicly; results shown on TV, news, and Elections Canada website.
Canada's Electoral System
Canada has 308 electoral districts (ridings or constituencies).
Voters elect 1 MP per district.
The candidate with the most votes wins.
Any Canadian citizen 18 years or older can run for office.
After the Election
The Governor General invites the leader of the party with the most seats to form the government.
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That leader becomes Prime Minister.
If the party wins half or more of the seats → Majority government.
If the party wins less than half → Minority government.
PM and Cabinet must maintain the confidence of the House.
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Losing a confidence vote (e.g., on budget) → likely triggers a new election.
The Cabinet (Prime Minister + Cabinet Ministers).
- The Prime Minister selects Cabinet Ministers.
- The Cabinet ministers run the federal government departments.
- Proposes most new laws and prepares the national budget.
- Cabinet decisions are reviewed/questioned by the House of Commons.
Opposition Parties
- Parties not in power are called the Opposition.
- Largest opposition party = Official Opposition (Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition).
- Their role is to question, oppose, and improve government proposals.
Major Political Parties
Liberal Party.
Conservative Party.
New Democratic Party (NDP).
Responsibilities of the levels of Government in Canada
Federal - Members of Parliament.
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Defence, trade, citizenship, immigration (shared), criminal law.
Provincial and Territorial - MLAs / MNAs / MPPs / MHAs.
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Health care, education, highways, natural resources, immigration (shared).
Municipal (local) - Mayor (Reeve) and Councillors (Aldermen).
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Garbage, transit, snow removal, emergency services, and local health.
Indigenous Governance
Band Chiefs & Councillors govern First Nations communities (reserves).
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Handle housing, education, and services.
Aboriginal organizations represent First Nations, Métis, and Inuit in talks with other governments.