History of the Vote in Canada

A Few Highlights!

British North America (1758-1866)

Voting restricted to small part of population: wealthy men

Eligibility based on property ownership

Paying rent or taxes could also qualify you to vote

Women could not vote (not law)

Extending the Right to Vote (1987-1919)

Women legally cannot vote now, so they organize to gain the right to vote. Gain strength in early 1900s

Women are persistent in protesting and introducing bills to get the vote

1916: Manitoba is the first province to give women the vote

By 1918 women have the right to vote in federal elections

Making the Vote Universal (1920-1960)

1920 Dominion Elections Act Significant loopholes still exist.

Natives and people of “Oriental” origin still can’t vote

Limitations lifted in 1960 after a great deal of political debate

Accessibility for All (1961-Present)

Methods introduced to ensure that everyone can vote: Employers must provide staff time off Voting hours extended Advance polling Wheelchair access Mobile polls Voter info in both official languages

Who’s Who in Canadian Politics

Queen

Constitutional monarch The Queen personifies the state and is

the personal symbol of allegiance, unity and authority for all Canadians.

Presents a variety of orders, decorations and medals, headed by the Order of Canada.

Title is Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories, Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith

Governor General

Represents the Queen Appointed by the Queen on the

recommendation of the PM Calls Parliament into session,

prorogues parliament, dissolves parliament.

Appoints PM Reads ‘Throne Speech”, opens

Parliament Commander-in-Chief of Canada

Prime Minister

Head of Government Powers not clearly defined in

Constitution Leader of the party that has the most

seats in the House of Commons Makes appointments (judges,

ambassadors, etc.) Advises GG, meets with foreign

delegations, etc.

Other Notable Figures

Cabinet Senate Premier Speaker of the Senate and House of

Commons Lieutenant Governors

Members of Parliament

How do you become an MP? Become a member of a party

Join a party whose platforms you agree with Become a candidate

Be over 18 years of age on the date of nomination File nomination papers bearing the signatures of at least

50 to 100 constituents Be chosen by the party as the best candidate for your

riding Campaign

Get your name and platform out to the public before election day

Get elected! Get the most votes in your riding

Roles of the MP

Sit in the House of Commons Debate and vote on bills Put local, regional and national issues in

the spotlight Present petitions, make statements and

ask questions (this is where local ridings can have their issues heard and debated)

Roles of the MP

Sit on various committees (4-40 hours per week) Look at bills in greater depth Study important issues such as finance, health,

and the spending plans of federal departments Attend caucus meetings (Mornings before

the House sits) Senators and Members of Parliament from the

same party determine policies and parliamentary strategy

Ask questions of their leaders Explain the views and needs of their

constituents

Roles of the MP

Office time Help constituents with questions about

anything that is the business of the federal government

Attend meetings, interviews and activities

Visit their riding as often as possible

How do you become an MPP?

Very similar to the system used to elect MP’s Join a party and be involved Get the signatures of 50-100

constituents (depending on the size of your riding)

Be nominated by your party Campaign Win the election!

Roles of the MPP

Legislator Attend meetings of the Legislative Assembly to

participate in the debating and making of laws Take part in meetings of legislative committees

where draft legislation will be studied in detail, and where the public can participate to have face-to-face input into legislative proposals

Additional duties as a cabinet minister, parliamentary assistant, house leader or whip, or even as Speaker of the Assembly

Roles of the MPP

Elected Representative Meet with constituents Deal with provincial government to

solve problems Help constituents find services that are

available to assist them in different ways

Attend and support community events Present a petition to the Legislature

concerning a specific problem or issue in the riding

Roles of the MPP

Party Member Involved in task forces and other

projects aimed at producing an alternative choice of policies for the public to consider at election times