The Civic Classroom: A Beginners Guide to Canadian Politics
Parliamentary System
Parliamentary government in Canada is a democratic form of government administered by the legislative branch, consisting of both the House of Commons and the Senate. Legislation for Canada is created, debated, and passed by the Parliament of Canada. As the primary means by which candidates are elected to the House of Commons and the Senate, political parties play an essential role in the Canadian parliamentary system. The most important factor to keep in mind is that voters are not electing a government, they are electing a candidate who is going to represent the district in which they reside, their Member of Parliament (MP). According to this system, the government is formed by the party with the most elected members, and the leader of that party is the prime minister, who is responsible for leading the executive branch of the government. In the event that the most seats are won by the leading party, but they do not have a majority, they may be able to seek the support of another party and form a minority government, as occurred after the 2019 election. A fundamental understanding of how the Canadian parliamentary system works depends on understanding how Canadian political parties operate. So if you want to understand Canadian politics, you need to understand how to party—literally.
Political Parties
Click on a party name to learn more about it!
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Leader: Yves-François Blanchet
Founded: 1991
Platform Basics: It is widely recognized that the Bloc Quebecois is Canada's leading separatist political party. Due to the fact that the Bloc does not run candidates outside of Quebec, it will never be able to form a government of Canada. When Quebecers vote for the Bloc, they are expressing their discontent with the Canadian political system, essentially opting out of federal politics altogether. Those representing the Bloc are going to Ottawa to represent the interests of Quebec and constitute the third largest party in Parliament.
Learn More HERE
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Leader: Pierre Poilievre
Founded: 2003
Platform Basics: As Canada's second-largest party in parliament, the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) currently forms the Official Opposition. The Conservative Party of Canada's platform calls for a welcoming refuge for those persecuted or afflicted around the world, responsible budget management, and peace and freedom in the global stage. Moreover, they say they understand government responsibilities and support clean Canadian technology. A strong legal system, a strong military, and respect for tradition are the party's priorities. They favour low taxes, little regulation, a small, less intrusive government, a strong legal system, and a strong legal system.
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Leader: Elizabeth May
Founded: 2001
Platform Basics: The first MP from the Green Party was elected in 2011. The environment is a main issue for the Green Party however they are no longer a single-issue party, adopting a center-left populist platform. They have a four-pillar approach with specific consideration for Democracy, Social Justice, Ecological Sustainability, and Economic Justice and Sustainability.
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Leader: Justin Trudeau
Founded:1867
Platform Basics: The platform of the Liberal Party is currently entitled “Forward. For Everyone ”. With a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and social progress, the party supports unrestricted abortion, LGBT rights, and a high rate of immigration, while favoring a free market economy that is not burdened with excessive regulations. A central focus of the program is the achievement of homeownership, health care, building a resilient economy, creating a greener future, and engaging in reconciliation efforts.
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Leader: Jagmeet Singh
Founded: 1961
Platform Basics: In recent years, Canada's New Democratic Party has moved in a more moderate direction, and today advocates a social democracy with a mixed economy, in which the government regulates the economy but does not run it. The NDP shares many similar beliefs to the Liberal Party, but takes a more aggressive progressive stance when it comes to taxing the wealthy and large corporations, environmental regulation, and non-interventionist foreign policy. The parties commitments are to: Making life more affordable for everyday people, building a more competitive economy that benefits all, protecting the environment, taking better care of each other, reconciliation in action, building more vibrant communities, the courage to do what is right, and a fiscal approach.
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