Political parties in Canada
Political parties in Canada are organizations that seek to influence government policy by electing members to public office. Canada has a multi-party system at both the federal and provincial levels.
Federal political parties
Several political parties operate at the federal level, with varying representation in the House of Commons. Major federal parties typically contest general elections and present national platforms.
Role in Canadian democracy
Political parties play a central role in Canada's parliamentary democracy by:
- Recruiting and endorsing candidates
- Developing policy platforms
- Organizing election campaigns
- Forming governments or opposition
Party discipline
Canadian political parties are known for strong party discipline, particularly in the House of Commons, where members often vote in line with party leadership.
Provincial and territorial parties
In addition to federal parties, each province and territory has its own political parties, some of which are affiliated with federal counterparts, while others operate independently.