Facts About Canada

Elections in Canada

Elections in Canada select representatives at the federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal levels. Federal elections choose Members of Parliament (MPs) to the House of Commons using single-member districts and first-past-the-post (FPTP) voting. Provinces and territories run their own elections for legislatures, and municipalities hold local elections under provincial law. Elections are administered by independent, non-partisan electoral agencies.

At a glance — Elections in Canada
Levels Federal (Parliament), Provincial/Territorial (legislatures), Municipal/Local (councils, mayors, school boards)
Voting system (most) Single-member districts, first-past-the-post (FPTP)
Administration Independent electoral agencies (e.g., Elections Canada; provincial/territorial counterparts)
Who can vote (federal) Canadian citizens aged 18+ on polling day, subject to the Canada Elections Act (registration and identification rules apply)
When elections happen Fixed-date frameworks exist, but early elections can occur (e.g., dissolution in a minority Parliament)

Federal elections

Canada elects 338 MPs, each from an electoral district (riding). The party (or coalition/arrangement) that commands the confidence of the House forms government.

Timing and dissolution

A federal fixed-date framework sets a general election schedule, but the Governor General may dissolve Parliament on the Prime Minister’s advice, including when a ministry loses confidence. By-elections fill vacancies between general elections.

Voting system

Most votes are cast for a local candidate; the candidate with the most valid votes in the riding wins (FPTP). The overall seat count determines who can form government. The Senate is not elected at the federal level (appointments are made under constitutional provisions).

Who can vote and how

  • Eligibility: Canadian citizens 18+ on polling day, registered for the district where they ordinarily reside. Citizens abroad and certain groups (e.g., the Canadian Armed Forces) have special provisions.
  • Registration: A permanent national register supports pre-election lists; voters can also register or update at the poll with required identification.
  • ID: Options include one piece of government photo ID with address, or combinations that prove identity and address.
  • How to vote: Election day polling places, advance polls, and special ballot voting (by mail or at a local office). Accessibility services and accommodations are provided.

Electoral boundaries

Independent commissions review and adjust federal boundaries following each national census to reflect population shifts (redistribution).

Parties, candidates, and finance

Political parties register with Elections Canada; candidates file nomination papers and financial returns. Federal law sets contribution and spending limits, bans foreign donations, and regulates third-party advertising and partisan activities during election periods. Public reporting and audits promote transparency.

Provincial and territorial elections

Each province and territory has its own election laws, fixed-date frameworks, and electoral agency. Most use single-member districts and FPTP for their legislatures. Names of agencies include (examples): Elections Ontario, Élections Québec, Elections BC, Elections Alberta, Elections Saskatchewan, Elections Manitoba, Elections New Brunswick, Elections Nova Scotia, Elections Prince Edward Island, Elections Newfoundland and Labrador, Elections Yukon, Elections NWT, and Elections Nunavut. Premiers are leaders who command the confidence of their respective legislatures.

Municipal and local elections

Municipal elections (cities, towns, rural municipalities) and school board elections are established under provincial/territorial law. Rules vary by jurisdiction and may include direct mayoral elections, ward or at-large councillors, and different campaign finance rules. There are no national political parties at the municipal level; local slates or independents are common.

Indigenous governments

Many First Nations hold elections for chiefs and councils under the Indian Act or under community-specific custom codes and self-government agreements. Inuit and northern communities elect hamlet councils and territorial MLAs under their respective systems. Voting rules and terms are defined by the relevant federal statute or community/land claims government.

Referendums and plebiscites

Canada occasionally holds referendums or plebiscites at federal, provincial/territorial, or municipal levels on constitutional changes, policy questions, or local issues. The legal effect and conduct of these votes depend on the governing law for the jurisdiction.

Accessibility, integrity, and enforcement

Electoral agencies provide accessible voting options, language assistance where available, and accommodations for voters with disabilities. Complaints, compliance, and enforcement (including financial compliance) are handled by the relevant electoral authority, with offences and penalties set out in law.

Key terms

Writ of election

The formal document that starts an election in each district.

Returning officer

The official who runs the election in a district.

Advance poll / Special ballot

Early in-person voting days / voting by mail or at a local office under special-ballot rules.

Recount / Contested election

Recounts may be automatic (close results) or on application; courts can hear election challenges as provided by law.

See also

External links (official)

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