1. Political Parties and Elections in Canada

2. Political Parties in Canada
Currently, there are five parties represented in Canada’s House of Commons.
The Conservative Party currently forms the government of Canada, as they won the last election held on May 2nd, 2011.
The New Democratic Party, or NDP, is now the official opposition for the first time in their history.
The Liberals have been reduced to third party status.
The Bloc Quebecois and the Green Party are both represented in the House, yet neither party has enough seats to be receive official party status.

3. Canada’s Federal Parties

4. Why Do We Have Parties?
Like minded politicians find it easier to get their points of view across when they work together.
Therefore, most political parties are based around a set of core beliefs, in political speak we call this an ideology.
These ideologies are generally referred to as being either right-wing (CON), centerist (LIB), or left-wing (NDP).
Other parties might form to meet specific goals. For example, The Bloc Quebecois was established to fight for greater autonomy from the federal government.
While the Green Party is chiefly concerned with environmental protection.

6. What Benefits Do Party Members Receive?
If you are a member of a political party, you may nominate and vote for who you want to represent your party in your riding.
You are also free to vote in leadership elections.
You may also want to run for election yourself. If this is the case, it is far easier to win an election in Canada if you are a member of a political party.
Yet only about 2% of Canadians belong to a political party.
Many Canadians prefer to join non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to pressure and shape public opinion.

8. When Are Elections Held?
Federal elections must be held at least once every five years. Anyone over the age of 18 may vote in an election.
The governing party may call an election at anytime during this five-year term.
If a party is governing with only a minority of the seats in the House, they can be forced to call an election by the other parties. This is called a vote of non-confidence.
In Canada, once an election is called the whole campaign process is usually completed within a couple of months.

9. Results of the 2011 Election

10. Canada’s Electoral System
Once the polls close and the votes are counted. The candidates who received the most votes in each riding is announced as the winner.
This is called the first-past-the-post system.
This system is supported by some as it usually leads to stable governments, who often win with a majority of the seats.
Yet, this system is also criticized by some, as it limits the power of smaller parties. Many argue that Canada should adopt a system of proportional representation (PR).
PR may be more representative, but it is also more unstable.

12. What Happens Once an Election Is Called?
Once an election is called by the PM, he or she will ask the GG to dissolve parliament.
Parties choose their candidates for each riding.
Independents may also run, but they rarely win elections.
Politicians rarely pay for their own campaigns, instead funds are received from donors or from the party.
Polls are commissioned by politicians to see what issues voters are most interested in.
Party platforms are presented in stump speeches, debates and advertisements.

14. Check for Understanding
What political parties currently have seats in the House of Commons?
How old must you be to vote in a federal election?
Who are independents? What problems might they face if they run for office?
What are NGOs?
What is a vote of non- confidence?
How are candidates for each riding chosen?
Why might a party commission a poll?
Where do our parties sit on the political spectrum?
What is the first-past-the-post system? What is proportional representation?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of these systems?

15. Discussion
If you could implement some reforms on the Canadian system of government, what changes would you implement?
Do you think that Canada gives its people citizens enough choice in electing its leadership?
What are some differences between Canada’s system government and systems practiced in other nations?