How is the Prime Minister of Canada elected?

In: Canada, Canadian History [Edit categories]

The Prime Minister of Canada is the leader of the political party that wins the plurality of seats in Parliament. A plurality means he does not need to have a majority, which would be 50% of the seats plus one. This is known as the "first past the post" system.

The rules of the House of Commons state that the Prime Minister is the head of the party which has secured the confidence of the House of Commons. In effect, this means the leader of the party with the most seats, but it could also mean the leader of the second-place party, as part of a coalition with parties that have fewer elected members. For instance, when Stephen Harper asked the Governor General to dissolve the House of Commons, she could have refused - she has the consitutional right to do so - and asked Stéphane Dion to form a government with the backing of the NDP and Bloc québécois.

First answer by ID1281973823. Last edit by Ray Adams. Contributor trust: 9 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 24 [recommend question]

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