Government Formation in Canada

The rules pertaining to government formation and transitions between governments, particularly minority governments, have never been codified in Canada. These situations hinge on political interpretations of tradition and convention, rather than formally established practices.

As part of our work to build better government, the Public Policy Forum is convening constitutional and policy experts to discuss how governments form, particularly in minority situations, and what guidelines might be useful for governments, political parties, the public service, the media and the public to be aware of under such circumstances. Following these events the Forum, in collaboration with other interested individuals and groups, will produce a report detailing the proceedings and recommendations of the assembled experts. It is our intention that this report will serve as a valuable resource as Canada moves towards a better understanding of its own intricate policies and practices regarding government formation.
 
This timely work will help advance the key issues which Canadians should understand about the functioning of government under circumstances that have sometimes lacked clarity. Recent election outcomes in other Westminster countries, such as the U.K., seem to indicate that the traditional means of government formation in Canada may be in need of renewal, or at least, reconsideration. If this is the case, we must have a better understanding of the rules and guidelines for such situations.

For more information contact:
James McLean
Research Associate
613-238-7858, ext. 225
james.mclean@ppforum.ca

 

Media Advisory

Public Policy Forum calls for the establishment of guidelines on government formation in Canada

 

PPF Documents

Government Formation Roundtable Summary Reports
These reports highlight the main themes discussed by constitutional scholars, former public service leaders, former heads of government transition teams and leading journalists during the Government Formation Roundtables held in Ottawa on March 21st and June 1st, 2011.

 

Background Paper
Incorporating the latest developments in other Westminster-style countries, this background paper outlines the general principle of government formation in our system of government as well as some key constitutional conventions, explores the roles of various actors in the government formation process, and concludes by asking some key questions of the stakeholders that have an important role to play in this matter.

Additional Documents

Making Minority Government Work: hung parliaments and the challenges for Westminster and Whitehall
(authored by the Institute for Government)

Adjusting to a New Era of Parliamentary Government
(authored by the David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights)

UK Cabinet Manual - Draft

UK General Election Guidance 2005

 

 In the News

Read David Michell's Op-Ed in the Ottawa Citizen

Read The Chronicle Herald's article on coalition politics

Read the Toronto Star's article on coalition governments

Read the Ottawa Citizen's article on minority governments

 On TV

Watch PrimeTime Politics - March 28, 2011

Watch PrimeTime Policitcs - March 24, 2011