Federal Elections
Canadians vote in elections for the people they want to represent them in the House of Commons.
Who can vote and run
You are eligible to vote in a federal election if you are: a Canadian citizen; at least 18 years old on voting day; and on the voters' list. Canadian citizens who are 18 years old or older may also run in a federal election as candidates. Today, every citizen over the age of 18 may vote — women gained the federal vote in 1918, Japanese-Canadians in 1948, and Aboriginal peoples in 1960.
Electoral districts
Canada is divided into 308 electoral districts, also known as ridings or constituencies. An electoral district is a geographical area represented by one MP. The citizens in each electoral district elect one MP who sits in the House of Commons to represent them, as well as all Canadians.
When elections are held
Under legislation passed by Parliament, federal elections must be held on the third Monday in October every four years following the most recent general election. The Prime Minister may ask the Governor General to call an earlier election.
Voting procedures
Elections Canada mails a voter information card listing when and where you vote. On election day, go to your polling station, bring your voter information card and proof of identity and address, then mark an 'X' in the circle next to the candidate of your choice. If you cannot vote on election day, you can vote at advance polls or by special ballot. Canadian law secures the right to a secret ballot — no one can watch how you vote or insist you reveal your choice.
After an election
The leader of the political party with the most seats in the House of Commons is invited by the Governor General to form the government and becomes Prime Minister. If the party holds at least half the seats, it is a majority government; fewer than half is a minority government. The Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers make important decisions, prepare the budget, and propose most new laws. The opposition party with the most seats is the Official Opposition (Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition).
Political parties and their roles
Canada has several major federal political parties. The Conservative Party of Canada generally favours lower taxes, smaller government, and free markets. The Liberal Party of Canada has historically championed social programs, official bilingualism, and multiculturalism. The New Democratic Party (NDP) focuses on workers' rights, expanded social programs, and environmental protection. The Bloc Québécois is a federal party that advocates for Quebec's interests and sovereignty. The Green Party of Canada focuses on environmental issues and sustainable development. Candidates run as members of parties or as independents. Political parties are funded by contributions from individuals; there are strict limits on donations and spending during election campaigns to ensure fairness.
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Key Facts
- •Canada has 308 electoral districts (ridings) — each elects one MP
- •To vote: must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old, and on the voters' list
- •Federal elections held every four years on the third Monday in October
- •The PM may ask the Governor General to call an earlier election
- •Mark an 'X' on your ballot beside your candidate of choice
- •The secret ballot means no one can insist you reveal how you voted
- •Majority government = party holds at least half the seats; minority = fewer than half
- •The three major parties in the guide: Conservative Party, New Democratic Party, Liberal Party
- •Women gained federal vote in 1918; Aboriginal peoples in 1960