In Canada, any citizen who is at least 18 years old has the legal right to run as a candidate in a federal election. You do not need special approval, a university degree, or party membership (independent candidates are allowed too).

The opposition party in Parliament is responsible for holding the government accountable, asking questions, debating policies, and offering alternative solutions. This ensures a healthy democracy where government actions are scrutinized.

After a new government is formed, the Prime Minister is sworn in along with the Cabinet. They officially take office and begin running the government, making decisions, introducing policies, and managing the country’s affairs.

A political platform is a document or plan that explains a political party’s policies, goals, and promises. It tells voters what the party plans to do if it forms the government.

An MP (Member of Parliament) is️ represents people in an electoral district (riding) in the House of Commons. MPs help make laws, debate national issues, and represent their constituents’ interests.

In Canada, you can register to vote ahead of time through Elections Canada or register at the polling station on election day (or during advance voting). This ensures all eligible citizens can participate in federal elections, even if they didn’t register earlier.

Dissolving Parliament means officially ending the current session of the House of Commons. This triggers a federal election, allowing citizens to vote for a new government. It ensures that the government maintains the confidence of elected representatives.

Canada is divided into 338 federal ridings (also called electoral districts). Each riding elects one Member of Parliament (MP) to the House of Commons during a federal election.

When a political party wins the majority of seats in the House of Commons, it has enough support to form the government. The party’s leader becomes the Prime Minister, and the party sets the agenda, introduces legislation, and runs the country.

After a federal election, the official opposition is the political party that wins the second-largest number of seats in the House of Commons. Its role is to question the government and hold it accountable on behalf of Canadians.

To vote at a polling station in Canada, you must show identification that proves both your identity and your address. This ensures that only eligible voters can cast a ballot and that each vote is counted correctly. Examples include a driver’s licence, provincial ID, or a combination of documents like a health card and a utility bill.

Political parties bring together people with similar ideas and values. They select and support candidates, develop policies, and work to win elections so they can implement their platform and influence government decisions.

The Chief Electoral Officer is an independent official responsible for overseeing federal elections and referendums in Canada. They ensure the process is fair, impartial, and follows the law, including managing voter registration, polling, and ballot counting.

A vote of confidence is a vote in the House of Commons that determines whether the government still has enough support from elected MPs to continue governing. If the government loses a confidence vote, it may have to resign or call a new election.

In a federal election, Canadians vote for a candidate in their electoral district (riding). The winning candidate becomes a Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Commons, representing that riding and contributing to forming the government.

When a government “falls” (usually after losing a vote of confidence in the House of Commons), it no longer has the support needed to govern. As a result, a new election is typically called so voters can choose a new government.

Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to represent the interests and concerns of Canadians in the House of Commons. They debate and vote on laws, raise issues from their ridings, and hold the government accountable.

Elections Canada is an independent, non-partisan agency that administers federal elections and referendums. It ensures elections are fair, transparent, and accessible, manages voter registration, oversees polling, and enforces election rules.

Elections Canada, an independent agency, is responsible for administering federal elections and officially announcing the results after all ballots are counted and verified. This ensures the process is fair, accurate, and impartial.

If a voter’s name is not on the voters list, they can register at the polling station on election day (or at advance polls) by providing the required identification. This ensures eligible voters are still able to cast their ballot.