Prime Minister of Canada

Prime Minister of Canada
Incumbent	Mark Carney
Assumed office	March 2025
Appointer	Governor General
Term length	At the Monarch’s pleasure; requires confidence of the House of Commons.
Inaugural holder	Sir John A. Macdonald
Formation	July 1, 1867
Deputy	Deputy Prime Minister of Canada (when appointed)
Seat	Ottawa, Ontario
Website	Official site

Prime Minister of Canada

For a chronological list, see Prime Ministers of Canada.

The Prime Minister of Canada is the head of government of Canada and the chair of the federal Cabinet. By constitutional convention, the Prime Minister is the leader who can command the confidence of the elected House of Commons. The Prime Minister advises the Governor General on the appointment of ministers, judges, and senior officials; sets the government’s agenda; and represents Canada domestically and internationally.

Role and responsibilities

Leads the executive branch and chairs Cabinet meetings.
Allocates ministerial portfolios and establishes Cabinet committees.
Advises the Governor General on the summoning, prorogation, and dissolution of Parliament.
Recommends appointments (e.g., to the ministry, the Senate, the Supreme Court of Canada, and Crown corporations).
Oversees the public service through the Privy Council Office and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Represents Canada at international summits and in bilateral relations.

Appointment and tenure

Following a general election (or a loss of confidence), the Governor General invites the person most likely to command the confidence of the House of Commons to form a government. The Prime Minister serves **at the Monarch’s pleasure**, contingent on maintaining the confidence of the House. If the government loses a confidence vote, the Prime Minister may resign or advise dissolution and a general election.

Cabinet, Privy Council, and machinery of government

The Prime Minister selects Cabinet ministers (normally from Parliament) and may designate a Deputy Prime Minister. Cabinet is supported by the non-partisan Privy Council Office (PCO), while political support is provided by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Government decisions are formally made by the King-in-Council through orders in council.

Relationship with Parliament

The Prime Minister is accountable to the House of Commons, answers during Question Period, and requires confidence to govern. Confidence may be tested explicitly (a motion of confidence/non-confidence) or implicitly (e.g., on supply/budget bills).

Federal–provincial relations and intergovernmental affairs

The Prime Minister leads intergovernmental relations with provinces and territories, often through First Ministers’ Meetings, and sets national priorities that require collaboration across jurisdictions.

International role

As head of government, the Prime Minister represents Canada in international organizations and negotiations and works with allies on defense, trade, and global issues.

History

The office dates from Confederation in 1867, with Sir John A. Macdonald as the inaugural Prime Minister. For all holders of the office, see Prime Ministers of Canada.

FAQs

Q: How is the Prime Minister chosen? A: The Governor General appoints as Prime Minister the person who can command the confidence of the House of Commons.

Q: How long is a Prime Minister’s term? A: There is no fixed term; a Prime Minister serves while holding the confidence of the House and at the Monarch’s pleasure.

Q: Who was the first Prime Minister of Canada? A: Sir John A. Macdonald, beginning July 1, 1867.

Q: Who is the current Prime Minister? A: Mark Carney (since March 2025).

References