Federal Elections

Federal elections are held using the first-past-the-post system. The candidate with the most votes in each riding wins a seat in the House of Commons and represents that riding as its Member of Parliament (MP).

Federal elections must be held at least every five years under the Constitution. In practice, an election is called when the Governor General dissolves Parliament on the advice of the Prime Minister, or when the government loses a vote of confidence in the House of Commons.

Canadian citizens who are 18 years of age or older on election day can vote. To vote, you must be on the National Register of Electors or register at your polling station on election day. Voting is by secret ballot so that no one can watch you vote and no one should look at how you voted.

Elections Canada, an independent agency of Parliament, administers federal elections and referendums. The Chief Electoral Officer is appointed by Parliament and does not report to the government.

Any Canadian citizen who is at least 18 years of age can run for office in a federal election. Candidates may represent a political party or run as independents.

The main federal political parties in Canada have historically included the Liberal Party, the Conservative Party, the New Democratic Party (NDP), the Bloc Québécois, and the Green Party.

After an election, the leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons is invited by the Governor General to form the government. If one party wins more than half of all the seats, it forms a majority government. If not, it may form a minority government.

When the Prime Minister and the Cabinet have the support (confidence) of the majority of the members of the House of Commons, the government can govern. If it loses a vote on a major issue (a "vote of non-confidence"), the government must resign or call an election.