Chapter 5: The Canadian Election Process

Types of Elections

Canada conducts three main types of elections: federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal.

• Federal Elections: These are held to elect Members of Parliament (MPs) to the House of Commons. The party that wins the majority of seats usually forms the government, and its leader becomes the Prime Minister.
• Provincial/Territorial Elections: These elections choose Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), Members of the Provincial Parliament (MPPs), or Members of the National Assembly (MNAs), depending on the province or territory. The majority party forms the provincial/territorial government, and its leader becomes the Premier.
• Municipal Elections: These elections elect mayors, city councilors, and other local officials. Municipal election processes and structures vary significantly across the country.

Electoral System

Canada uses the first-past-the-post (FPTP) electoral system for federal and most provincial elections. This system divides the country into electoral districts, also known as ridings or constituencies, each represented by one MP or MLA. The candidate with the most votes in each district wins, regardless of whether they have a majority.

Election Cycle

Federal elections are held every four years on the third Monday in October, as mandated by the Canada Elections Act. However, the Prime Minister can request the Governor General to dissolve Parliament and call an earlier election. Provincial and territorial elections also typically occur every four years, though the exact timing can vary.

Political Parties

Political parties play a crucial role in the Canadian election process. Major parties include the Liberal Party, Conservative Party, New Democratic Party (NDP), Bloc Québécois, and the Green Party. Parties develop platforms outlining their policies and vision for governance, which they present to the electorate during campaigns.

Nomination Process

Candidates for elections are nominated by their respective political parties or can run as independents. To be nominated, candidates must:

• Be Canadian citizens.
• Be at least 18 years old on election day.
• Submit nomination papers, including signatures from eligible voters in their constituency.
• Pay a nomination deposit.

Campaigning

Election campaigns are periods when political parties and candidates promote their platforms to the public. Campaign activities include:

• Public speeches and rallies.
• Media advertisements (TV, radio, print, online).
• Debates among party leaders.
• Canvassing and direct voter engagement.

The campaign period is regulated by the Canada Elections Act, which sets limits on campaign spending and advertising to ensure fairness.

Voting Process

Voting in Canada is accessible to all eligible citizens. Key aspects of the voting process include:

• Eligibility: Canadian citizens aged 18 or older can vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections.
• Registration: Voters must be registered to vote. Elections Canada and provincial agencies maintain voter registries and conduct regular updates.
• Voting Methods: Voting can be done in several ways:
  • In-person voting: At designated polling stations on election day or at advance polls.
  • Mail-in voting: Available for those who cannot vote in person.
  • Special ballot voting: For individuals in remote areas or outside the country.

Voters’ List

The voters’ list is produced from the National Register of Electors by Elections Canada. This register is a database of Canadian citizens aged 18 or older who are eligible to vote.

Voter Information Card

Once an election is called, Elections Canada mails a voter information card to each elector in the register. This card provides details about when and where to vote.

Voting Registration

You can be added to the voters’ list at any time, even on election day, if you’re not already on it.

Right to Secrecy

Canadian law guarantees the right to a secret ballot. No one can watch you vote or check how you voted.

Privacy

You may discuss your vote with others if you wish, but no one can force you to reveal your vote, not even family, employers, or union representatives.

Election Day

On election day, polling stations are open for a set period, usually 12 hours. Voters present identification, receive a ballot, and mark their choice in private. Poll workers ensure the process is orderly and secure.

Vote Counting

After polling stations close, election officers count the ballots. The results are then announced through various media outlets.

Post-Election Process

The leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons is usually invited by the Governor General to form the government and becomes the Prime Minister.

Majority and Minority Governments

If the ruling party holds at least half of the seats, it’s a majority government. If it holds less than half, it’s a minority government.

Confidence and Elections

The government needs the support of the majority of MPs. Major issues like the budget are matters of confidence. If a majority votes against a major decision, it usually results in an election.

Cabinet Formation

The Prime Minister chooses Cabinet ministers, mostly from the House of Commons. They run federal departments, prepare the budget, propose new laws, and their decisions can be questioned by all MPs.

Opposition Parties

Parties not in power are opposition parties. The one with the most seats is the Official Opposition. Their role is to peacefully oppose or try to improve government proposals.

Federal Government

Members: Members of Parliament (MPs)

Responsibilities: National Defence, Foreign Policy, Citizenship, Policing, Criminal Justice, International Trade, Aboriginal Affairs, Immigration (shared), Agriculture (shared), Environment (shared)

Provincial and Territorial Government

Members: Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) or Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) or Members of the Provincial Parliament (MPPs) or Members of the House of Assembly (MHAs)

Responsibilities: Education, Health Care, Natural Resources, Highways, Policing (Ontario, Quebec), Property and Civil Rights, Immigration (shared), Agriculture (shared), Environment (shared)

Municipal (Local) Government

Members: Mayor or Reeve, Councillors or Aldermen

Responsibilities: Social and Community Health, Recycling Programs, Transportation and Utilities, Snow Removal, Policing, Firefighting, Emergency Services

Local Government Council and By-Laws

Municipal governments usually have a council, including a mayor and councillors, that passes local laws called “by-laws.”

First Nations Governance

First Nations have band chiefs and councillors who manage responsibilities on reserves, including housing, schools, and other services. Various provincial, regional, and national Aboriginal organizations represent First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people in their interactions with federal, provincial, and territorial governments.