Federal Elections
In Canada, the people choose their government in free and fair elections. Voting is both a right and a responsibility of citizenship, protected by the secret ballot and run by an independent electoral agency.
Who can vote
To vote in a federal election, you must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old on voting day, and on the National Register of Electors or registered to vote. Elections Canada, an independent and non-partisan agency, runs federal elections.
Electoral districts and Members of Parliament
Canada is divided into electoral districts, also called ridings or constituencies. In a federal election, voters in each electoral district elect one Member of Parliament (MP) to represent them in the House of Commons. The candidate who receives the most votes in a riding becomes its MP, even if that person does not receive more than half the votes cast.
The secret ballot
Canadians vote by secret ballot. This means no one can watch you vote and no one should ask how you voted. The secret ballot protects your freedom to vote for the candidate of your choice without fear or pressure. Marking your ballot in private is a key feature of a free and democratic election.
How a government is formed
After an election, the political party with the most seats in the House of Commons is usually invited by the Governor General to form the government. The leader of that party becomes the Prime Minister.
- A majority government is formed when the governing party holds at least half the seats in the House of Commons.
- A minority government is formed when the governing party holds the most seats but fewer than half, and so must rely on support from other parties to pass laws.
- The Prime Minister chooses the Cabinet ministers, who are responsible for running government departments.
The role of the Opposition
The party with the second-largest number of seats in the House of Commons is called the Official Opposition, or Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition. The role of the Opposition is to peacefully oppose and hold the government accountable, to question its decisions, and to suggest improvements. This constructive criticism is an essential part of a healthy democracy.
How often elections are held
By law, federal general elections are held on a fixed date. There is also a maximum period between elections, and the Prime Minister may ask the Governor General to call an election earlier. After voting, you can also stay involved between elections by contacting your MP, joining a political party, or taking part in public debate.