Federal Elections
What is the role of opposition parties?
peacefully oppose or try to improve government proposals
What are Canada's electoral districts called? (2 names)
ridings or constituencies
What Cabinet ministers responsible for?
running federal departments
When can you be added to the list of voters?
until election day
What are the 4 major parties currently in the House of Commons?
• Bloc Québecois • NDP • Liberal Party • Conservative Party
What are the 3 criteria to vote in a federal election/federal referendum?
• Canadian citizenship • 18 years old on voting day • on the voters' list
What are elected official called at the municipal level?
• Mayor or Reeve • Councillors or Aldermen
How can you get on the voters' list?
• check a box when you apply for citizenship • check a box on federal income tax form
What are municipalities typically responsible for?
• urban & regional planning • streets & roads • sanitation • snow removal • emergency services • recreation • transit • some health services • police
How many electoral districts in Canada?
308
When must federal elections be held?
3rd Monday in October every 4 years following most recent general election
Who can run in a federal election?
Canadian citizens who are 18 or over
Who is the head of the NDP in Ontario?
Andrea Horwath
Who is my Member of Parliament in Ottawa?
Bob Rae
What is the political party in power?
Conservative Party
Who is the Premier of Ontario?
Dalton McGuinty
Who is the Governor General?
David Johnston
Who is the Lieutenant Governor in Ontario?
David Onley
Who puts out the National Register of Electors?
Elections Canada
How do you know where to vote?
Elections Canada mails a card stating when and where
Who is the leader of the Bloc Quebecois?
Gilles Duceppe
what is the Official Opposition a.k.a.?
Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition
Who is my MPP?
Hon Glen R Murray
Who is the leader of the NDP?
Jack Layton
What is the party representing Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition?
Liberal Party
What party is in power in Ontario?
Liberal Party
What are elected official called at the provincial/territorial level?
MLA or MNA or MPP or MHA
What are elected official called at the federal level?
Member of Parliament (MPs)
Members of the House of Commons a.k.a. what?
Members of Parliament (MPs)
Who is the Leader of the Opposition?
Michael Ignatieff
Who are ministers of the Crown?
Most are members of the House of Commons
When can extra elections happen?
Prime Minister can ask Governor General to call an earlier election
Who is the Head of State?
Queen Elizabeth II
Who is the mayor of Toronto?
Rob Ford
Who is the Prime Minister?
Stephen Harper
What happens if the majority of MPs votes against a major government decision?
The party in power is defeated, and usually the Prime Minister asks the Governor General to call an election on behalf of the Sovereign
Who is the head of the Progressive Conservative Party in Ontario?
Tim Hudak
What municipality do I live in?
Toronto
What is my federal electoral district called?
Toronto Centre
What is a matter of confidence?
a House of Commons vote on a major issue, such as the budget
What is a riding?
a geographical area represented by a Member of Parliament (MP)
What responsibilities do band chiefs and councillors have on First Nations reserves?
housing, schools, and other services
Who prepares the budget?
the Cabinet
Who proposes most new laws?
the Cabinet
What happens to government after an election?
the Governor General invites the leader of the political party with the most seats in the House of Commons to form the government
Who chooses ministers of the Crown?
the Prime Minister
Who makes up the Cabinet?
the Prime Minister + Cabinet ministers
Who makes up the Official Opposition?
the opposition party with the most members in the House of Commons
What is a majority government?
the party in power holds at least half the seats in the House of Commons
What is a minority government?
the party in power holds less than half the seats in the House of Commons
Under what condition can the Prime Minister and party in power run the government?
they maintain the confidence (support) of the majority of MPs
