Canada s Parliamentary and Electoral Systems In the

Canada’s Parliamentary and Electoral Systems

In the Beginning… • Aboriginal systems of government • The Six Nations Confederacy • The Indian Act of 1876 - Six Nations Flag 2

Confederation Prior to Confederation, two major decision were made that would shape Canada’s government: 1. Canada would be a federal union with two levels of government: i. Federal ii. Provincial 2. Canada would have a central Parliament with three parts: i. Monarch ii. Senate iii. House of Commons 3

Canada’s Constitution Written Elements of the Constitution • A rule book for our government • Not a single document – 14 Acts of British Parliament – 4 British Orders-in. Council – 7 Canadian Acts 4

Canada’s Constitution Unwritten Elements of the Constitution • • Prime Minister Political Parties Cabinet Responsible government 5

Queen Role of the Monarch • Head of State • Constitutional monarchy • Represented in Canada by the Governor General 6

Parliament Bicameral System • House of Commons • Senate 7

Evolving Parliament 1867 • House of Commons: 181 • Senate: 72 2013 • House of Commons: 308 (soon to be 338) • Senate: 105 8

Elections in Canada • Right to vote: every Canadian citizen who is at least 18 years old on election day • First-past-the-post electoral system • 308 electoral districts, soon to be 338 • Next fixed election date: October 19, 2015 • Election campaigns: minimum 36 days • Canada has had 41 general elections since Confederation 9

First-Past-the-Post System Also known as “single member plurality” • The candidate with the most votes is elected. • The winning party is the one that elects the most candidates. Its leader becomes Prime Minister. • The Prime Minister chooses the members of the Cabinet. • The party with the second highest number of candidates elected forms the official opposition in Parliament. 10

Voting in Canada: Three Easy Steps Step 1: Register • National Register of Electors: permanent list – Updated continuously by Elections Canada • How do I get on the Register? – If we send you a form, fill it out and return it for free, OR – Contact Elections Canada • Check your registration online at elections. ca • TIP: Voting is easier if you’re registered! 11

Voting in Canada – Three Easy Steps Step 2: Find out when and where to vote • Voter information card: sent to every registered elector • The VIC tells you where and when to vote: • Addresses (polling station and the local Elections Canada office) • Dates (election day, advance polls, voting by mail • Phone numbers for more info • If you don’t receive a VIC – contact us to register and find out where to vote 12

Voting in Canada – Three Easy Steps • Step 3: Go and vote! • On election day: ü At your assigned poll OR • Before election day: ü At your advance poll ü At any local Elections Canada office ü By mail • REMEMBER: Bring proof of identity and address! 13

Voter Turnout in Canada 14

Who is Voting and Who is Not? Turnout by Age in the May 2011 Election 15

Who is Voting and Who is Not? 16

Why Does Voting Matter? 1. Voting is fundamental to democracy: it’s how citizens choose who governs them. 2. Voting is the only form of participation in which every citizen is equal. 3. It doesn’t take very many votes to make a big difference. 4. Parties pay attention to those who vote. 5. Low/declining turnout is not distributed equally across the population. 17

Other Than Voting – What Can You Do? 1. Get informed 6. Join a political party 2. Read the news regularly 7. Write a letter to your MP 3. Talk to your family or friends about politics 8. Start a petition 9. Help out in an election campaign 4. Volunteer for a cause or organization you care about 5. Become active in your community 10. Work for Elections Canada during an election 18