Federal Elections

Question 1

What do Canadians vote for in federal elections?

Answer 1

Canadians vote for the people they want to represent them in the House of Commons.

Question 2

What are members of the House of Commons also known as?

Answer 2

Members of Parliament or MPs.

Question 3

When must federal elections be held in Canada?

Answer 3

On the third Monday in October every four years following the most recent general election.

Question 4

Who can ask for an earlier election in Canada?

Answer 4

The Prime Minister may ask the Governor General to call an earlier election.

Question 5

How many electoral districts are there in Canada?

Answer 5

308 electoral districts.

Question 6

What is an electoral district also known as?

Answer 6

Ridings or constituencies.

Question 7

What is the role of a member of Parliament (MP)?

Answer 7

To represent the citizens in their electoral district as well as all Canadians.

Question 8

Who is eligible to run in a federal election in Canada?

Answer 8

Canadian citizens who are 18 years old or older.

Question 9

What are the people who run for office called?

Answer 9

Candidates.

Question 10

What must candidates receive to become an MP?

Answer 10

The most votes in their electoral district.

Question 11

What is one of the privileges of Canadian citizenship?

Answer 11

The right to vote.

Question 12

What are the eligibility requirements to vote in a federal election in Canada?

Answer 12

Must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old on voting day, and on the voters’ list.

Question 13

What is the National Register of Electors?

Answer 13

A permanent database of Canadian citizens 18 years of age or older who are qualified to vote in federal elections.

Question 14

Who produces the voters’ lists used during federal elections?

Answer 14

A neutral agency of Parliament called Elections Canada.

Question 15

What does the voter information card provide?

Answer 15

Information on when and where to vote and a contact number for special services.

Question 16

True or False: You cannot be added to the voters’ list on election day.

Answer 16

False.

Question 17

Fill in the blank: To vote on election day or at advance polls, go to the _______.

Answer 17

polling station listed on your voter information card.

Question 19

What does Canadian law secure regarding voting?

Answer 19

The right to a secret ballot

This means that no one can watch you vote and no one should look at how you voted.

Question 20

Who counts the ballots after polling stations close?

Answer 20

Election officers

The results are announced on radio, television, and in newspapers.

Question 21

What happens after an election in Canada?

Answer 21

The leader of the political party with the most seats is invited to form the government

This leader becomes the Prime Minister after being appointed by the Governor General.

Question 22

What is a majority government?

Answer 22

When the party in power holds at least half of the seats in the House of Commons

This allows them to run the government with confidence.

Question 23

What is a minority government?

Answer 23

When the party in power holds less than half of the seats in the House of Commons

This means they may lack the support of a majority of MPs.

Question 24

What is considered a matter of confidence in the House of Commons?

Answer 24

A vote on a major issue such as the budget

A majority vote against the government decision can lead to the Prime Minister calling for an election.

Question 25

Who chooses the ministers of the Crown in Canada?

Answer 25

The Prime Minister ## Footnote Most ministers are chosen from among members of the House of Commons.

Question 26

What is the role of Cabinet ministers?

Answer 26

To run federal government departments ## Footnote They also prepare the budget and propose most new laws.

Question 27

What is the opposition party with the most members called?

Answer 27

The Official Opposition or Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition ## Footnote Their role is to peacefully oppose or improve government proposals.

Question 28

Name the three major political parties represented in the House of Commons.

Answer 28

* Conservative Party * New Democratic Party * Liberal Party ## Footnote These parties play a significant role in Canadian politics.

Question 29

True or False: Family members can insist that you tell them how you voted.

Answer 29

False ## Footnote No one has the right to insist on knowing how you voted.

Question 30

Fill in the blank: The Prime Minister and the Cabinet ministers are collectively known as the _______.

Answer 30

Cabinet ## Footnote They make important decisions about governance.

Question 32

What is a voter information card?

Answer 32

A card confirming that your name is on the voters' list and states when and where you vote ## Footnote Sent to electors whose information is in the National Register of Electors

Question 33

What should you do if you do not receive a voter information card?

Answer 33

Call your local elections office to ensure you are on the voters' list ## Footnote Alternatively, call Elections Canada at 1-800-463-6868

Question 34

What options do you have if you cannot vote on election day?

Answer 34

You can vote at the advance polls or by special ballot ## Footnote Dates and location are provided on your voter information card

Question 35

What must you bring to the polling station on election day?

Answer 35

Your voter information card and proof of your identity and address ## Footnote The location of the polling station is on your voter information card

Question 36

How do you mark your ballot?

Answer 36

Mark an 'X' in the circle next to the name of the candidate of your choice

Question 37

True or False: Voting is a public process.

Answer 37

False ## Footnote Your vote is secret

Question 38

What should you do after marking your ballot?

Answer 38

Fold it and present it to the poll officials

Question 39

What happens to your ballot at the polling station?

Answer 39

The poll official will tear off the ballot number and give your ballot back to you to deposit in the ballot box

Question 40

When are the election results made public?

Answer 40

When the polls close and every ballot is counted ## Footnote Results can be seen on television or on the Elections Canada website

Question 42

What happens when the polls close in federal elections?

Answer 42

Every ballot is counted and the results are made public ## Footnote Results can be viewed on television or the Elections Canada website.

Question 43

What role does municipal government play?

Answer 43

Plays an important role in the lives of citizens ## Footnote Municipal governments pass laws called 'by-laws' affecting the local community.

Question 44

What is typically included in a municipal council?

Answer 44

A mayor (or reeve) and councillors or aldermen ## Footnote Councils are responsible for local governance.

Question 45

What responsibilities do municipalities have?

Answer 45

Responsibilities include: * Urban or regional planning * Streets and roads * Sanitation * Snow removal * Firefighting * Ambulance and emergency services * Recreation facilities * Public transit * Local health and social services ## Footnote Most major urban centers have municipal police forces.

Question 46

How are provincial, territorial, and municipal elections conducted?

Answer 46

Held by secret ballot, but rules differ from federal elections ## Footnote Voters should know the specific rules for each type of election.

Question 47

Who are the elected officials at the federal level?

Answer 47

Members of Parliament (MPs) ## Footnote Federal elections are distinct from provincial and municipal elections.

Question 48

What are the titles of elected officials at the provincial and territorial level? (4)

Answer 48

Titles include: * Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) * Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) * Members of the Provincial Parliament (MPPs) * Members of the House of Assembly (MHAs) ## Footnote These titles vary by province and territory.

Question 49

What roles do First Nations leaders have?

Answer 49

Band chiefs and councillors have major responsibilities on First Nations reserves ## Footnote Responsibilities include housing, schools, and other services.

Question 50

List some responsibilities of the federal government.

Answer 50

Responsibilities include: * National defense * Foreign policy * Citizenship * Policing * Criminal justice * International trade * Aboriginal affairs * Immigration (shared) * Agriculture (shared) * Environment (shared) ## Footnote These responsibilities are outlined in the division of powers.

Question 51

List some responsibilities of the provincial government.

Answer 51

Responsibilities include: * Education * Health care * Natural resources * Highways * Policing (Ontario, Quebec) * Property and civil rights * Immigration (shared) * Agriculture (shared) * Environment (shared) ## Footnote Provincial governments manage various aspects of public policy.

Question 52

List some responsibilities of municipal governments.

Answer 52

Responsibilities include: * Social and community health * Recycling programs * Transportation and utilities * Snow removal * Policing * Firefighting * Emergency services ## Footnote Municipal responsibilities are focused on local community needs.

Question 53

What organizations represent First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples?

Answer 53

Regional and national Aboriginal organizations ## Footnote These organizations advocate for their relationships with federal, provincial, and territorial governments.