Federal Elections

Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/discover-canada/read-online/federal-elections.html

• 1.What is Elections Canada?

  • ✓A neutral agency of Parliament that produces the voters' lists
  • A provincial election authority
  • A department led by a Cabinet minister
  • A committee of the House of Commons

  Answer: A neutral agency of Parliament that produces the voters' lists

  Why: A neutral agency of Parliament that produces the voters' lists from the National Register of Electors.

• 2.According to Discover Canada, into how many electoral districts is Canada divided?

  • ✓308
  • 408
  • 208
  • 108

  Answer: 308

  Why: 308 in the guide. The number is redistributed after each census, so check Elections Canada for the current count.

• 3.Which two areas are listed as shared between the federal government and the provinces in the levels-of-government table?

  • Foreign policy and defence
  • ✓Immigration and agriculture
  • Snow removal and firefighting
  • Education and health care

  Answer: Immigration and agriculture

  Why: Immigration and agriculture are both listed as shared, alongside environment.

• 4.Who has major responsibilities on First Nations reserves?

  • Territorial commissioners
  • Mayors and aldermen
  • Provincial ministers
  • ✓Band chiefs and councillors

  Answer: Band chiefs and councillors

  Why: Band chiefs and councillors, including for housing, schools and other services.

• 5.When must federal elections be held under legislation passed by Parliament?

  • Whenever the Prime Minister chooses
  • The third Monday in October every five years
  • The first Monday in November every five years
  • ✓The third Monday in October every four years

  Answer: The third Monday in October every four years

  Why: On the third Monday in October every four years following the most recent general election.

• 6.What usually happens if a majority of MPs vote against a major government decision?

  • The Senate takes over the decision
  • The decision is referred to the provinces
  • ✓The government is defeated and an election is usually called
  • The Governor General overrules the vote

  Answer: The government is defeated and an election is usually called

  Why: The party in power is defeated, which usually results in the Prime Minister asking the Governor General to call an election.

• 7.What is a majority government?

  • Two parties govern together
  • The party in power holds every seat
  • The party in power won more than half the votes
  • ✓The party in power holds at least half the seats

  Answer: The party in power holds at least half the seats

  Why: When the party in power holds at least half of the seats in the House of Commons.

• 8.How do you mark a federal ballot?

  • Number the candidates in order of preference
  • Circle the party logo
  • Sign your name beside your candidate
  • ✓An "X" in the circle next to your candidate's name

  Answer: An "X" in the circle next to your candidate's name

  Why: Mark an "X" in the circle next to the name of the candidate of your choice.

• 9.A vote on which kind of issue is considered a matter of confidence?

  • Any vote in committee
  • ✓A major issue such as the budget
  • A vote to appoint a senator
  • A vote on a private member's motion

  Answer: A major issue such as the budget

  Why: A major issue such as the budget.

• 10.What is a minority government?

  • No party holds any seats
  • The party in power holds exactly half the seats
  • ✓The party in power holds less than half the seats
  • The Opposition forms the government

  Answer: The party in power holds less than half the seats

  Why: When the party in power holds less than half of the seats in the House of Commons.