Maple News reports that Canada’s federal election process plays a vital role in shaping the nation’s democratic framework. On September 20, 2021, eligible Canadian citizens—those aged 18 and over—were invited to vote in the federal election to determine the new composition of the House of Commons. While only citizens have the legal right to vote or run for office, permanent residents are encouraged to participate in the democratic process by volunteering for political campaigns.
Canada follows a system known as ‘first-past-the-post’ (FPTP), where voters cast a single ballot in their local riding—electoral districts throughout the country. The candidate with the most votes in each riding becomes the Member of Parliament (MP). Unlike some systems where voters rank candidates, Canadians simply choose one. There are 338 ridings across Canada, and the party that wins the majority of these seats typically forms the government, with its leader becoming Prime Minister.
FPTP can sometimes produce results that seem unbalanced. In the 2019 federal election, for instance, the Conservative Party received more overall votes than the Liberal Party but secured fewer seats in Parliament. Similarly, in 2015, the Liberals formed a majority government despite receiving only 39.5% of the popular vote.
Parliament can last for up to four years, but elections may be called earlier. The Prime Minister may request an early election, or Parliament can force one if the government loses a vote of confidence. This was the case in 2011 when the Conservative minority government lost a confidence vote but returned with a majority following the election.
The Governor General plays a symbolic but essential role by formally inviting the leader of the party with the most seats to form a government. If no party wins a majority, a minority government is formed, typically requiring cooperation from smaller parties. This may involve informal alliances or negotiated arrangements to maintain legislative support.
Critics argue the FPTP model distorts voter representation. A party can win a majority of seats with less than a majority of votes or lose seats despite strong national support if its voter base is not concentrated. For example, the Bloc Québécois has historically performed well because its support is geographically focused in Quebec. In contrast, national parties like the NDP may gain significant votes overall but fewer seats.
Despite these shortcomings, supporters of the system say it fosters stability and accountability. Each citizen is directly represented in Parliament by a local MP, and the system often favours parties with broad, national appeal.
In 2015, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged electoral reform, promising that it would be the final election conducted under FPTP. A parliamentary committee explored alternatives, including proportional representation, and recommended a national referendum. Ultimately, the government opted not to proceed with a change, maintaining the existing system.
Canada’s democratic process, though not without flaws, remains a cornerstone of civic life. Whether through voting, campaigning, or public discourse, citizens play a crucial role in shaping the country’s future.