ELECTIONS

J. Marshall 2007

Every Canadian gets 1 vote in the federal election which occurs about

every 4 years when the ruling party has a majority

and about every 2 years when the ruling party has a minority.

An election must be called within five years of a party

coming to power. This period is called an election term.

In Canada, the party that wins the majority, rules.

The majority = 1/2 x Seats + 1

Ex. 1/2 x 301 + 1 = 151

Ex. 1/2 x 308 + 1 = 155

IF the biggest winner gets less than that, they form a MINORITY government.

Determine the Type of Gov’t

Majority Government

Winner

Others

Determine the Type of Gov’t

Minority Government

Others

Winner

The Distribution of Seats Determines the Gov’t:The Distribution of Seats Determines the Gov’t:

143 Conservative

36 NDP77 Liberal 48 Bloc Québécois

1 Independent

Speaker

Last election: October, 2008

There are currently 308 seats in the Commons:

Why would there be 7 new seats since 2001?

3 vacant seats

Election Scenario A

Liberal 100

Conservative 110

Bloc 35

NDP 56

TOTAL 301

Biggest

Remainder

Conclusion: Majority Minority

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Election Scenario B

Liberal 158

Conservative 111

Bloc 15

NDP 17

TOTAL 301

Biggest

Remainder

Conclusion: Majority Minority

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Election Scenario C

Liberal 85

Conservative 210

Bloc 5

NDP 1

TOTAL 301

Biggest

Remainder

Conclusion: Majority Minority

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Election Scenario D

Liberal 75

Conservative 74

Bloc 73

NDP 79

TOTAL301

Biggest

Remainder

Conclusion: Majority Minority

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Election Scenario E

Liberal 112

Conservative 96

Bloc 35

NDP 58

TOTAL 301

Biggest

Remainder

Conclusion: Majority Minority

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Election Scenario F

Liberal 21

Conservative 273

Green 1

NDP 5

TOTAL 301

Biggest

Remainder

Conclusion: Majority Minority

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