How does Canada vote for the prime minister?
Canada doesn’t vote for the prime minister.Canada is divided into 338 ridings. Each riding has a member of parliament (MP). Almost all of the time, MPs have a party, and parties have a leader. The leaders are elected by party members. These leaders campaign for their parties during campaign time and have televised debates. So while the media makes it seem like you’re voting for one of the leaders, you’re not. You’re voting for your local MPs. On election night, 338 MPs are elected.Now in theory, these MPs can choose any fellow MP to be the prime minister. But of course, this never happens. They just vote for their party leaders. The leader of the party with a plurality gets to become the prime minister.Now if the prime minister resigns or dies in office, another election is not held. The members of the governing party just choose one of their buddies as an interim prime minister until the next election happens. So if Justin Trudeau decides to resign, we really have no say in who the next prime minister is, the liberal insiders decide that.Side note- Oftentimes, prime ministers use this move cynically to avoid humiliation. Pierre Trudeau was EXTREMELY unpopular in 1984, so he resigned as liberal leader and PM, and let John Turner deal with the conservative landslide election of 1984. Mulroney’s approval ratings by 1993 were in single digits, so he resigned and let Kim Campbell go down as the most unsuccessful incumbent prime minister, when her party won a measly 2 seats. And Jean Chrétien, knowing his government’s corruption scandals were going to be released, resigned and let his arch-nemesis Paul Martin take responsibility.
The prime minister of canada is elected how?
All a bit wrong. The Canadian Prime Minister is appointed by the Governor-general on behalf of the Queen of Canada {who is also separately the Queen of the United Kingdom (England is not a kingdom)}. The Governor-general would select the Leader of the party who can command the greatest support of the House of Commons however they may appoint a member of either House of Parliament as a caretaker PM in an emergency situation.
What is the difference between Canada's Prime Minister and the US president?
The US president is (almost) directly elected, is both the head of state and the head of government, and has no part in Congress. The Canadian Prime Minister is not elected to that post. Canada is divided into 308 electoral districts (often known as "ridings") and each one elects an MP to the House of Commons. The Governor General then appoints as Prime Minister whichever MP is most likely to be able to form a lasting government - this usually means the leader of the largest party. So unlike the US president, it is an integral part of the Canadian system that the head of government DOES sit in Parliament. The Canadian Prime Minister is the head of government but not the head of state. The Canadian head of state is the Queen of Canada, Queen Elizabeth II. As she does not live in Canada, she appoints a Governor General to perform her duties, which are largely formal and ceremonial in any case. In fact the Canadian system is almost a carbon copy of the British one, which is of course where it came from.
What did Pierre Trudeau do for Canada that made him one of the most influential Canadian Prime Ministers?
Trudeau led Canada through some of its most tumultuous times and was often the centre of controversy. Known for his flamboyance, he dated celebrities, sometimes wore sandals in the House of Commons, was accused of using an obscenity during debate there, and once did a pirouette behind the back of Queen Elizabeth II. Trudeau soon called an election, for 25 June ( Canadian federal election, 1968). His election campaign benefited from an unprecedented wave of personal popularity called "Trudeaumania" , which saw Trudeau mobbed by throngs of youths. As Prime Minister, Trudeau espoused participatory democracy as a means of making Canada a "Just Society." He defended vigorously the newly implemented universal health care and regional development programs as means of making society more just. Trudeau's first years would be most remembered for the passage of his implementation of official bilingualism. Long a goal of Trudeau, this legislation requires all Federal services to be offered in French and English. The measures were very controversial at the time in English Canada, but would be successfully passed and implemented. A worsening economy, burgeoning national debt, and growing public antipathy towards Trudeau's perceived arrogance caused his poll numbers to fall rapidly. Trudeau delayed the election as long as he could, but was forced to call one in 1979.
What do former Canadian prime ministers do?
They often try to become Prime Minister again. Sir John A. Macdonald, Arthur Meighan, William Lyon Mackenzie King, and Pierre Trudeau have all been “former Canadian Prime Ministers” who have gone on to become “current Canadian Prime Ministers.” Heck, Mackenzie King did it twice.Source: List of Prime Ministers of Canada - Wikipedia
Does the prime minister of Canada have to be Canadian born?
No. John Turner, born in Richmond England, was the most recent Prime Minister born outside of Canada. You have to be a Canadian citizen to run for the House of Commons, but many members immigrated to Canada from elsewhere. One of them may become Prime Minister someday. The Prime Minister is the head of government, and Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state. She is represented in Canada by the Governor General. The current GG was born in Haiti before becoming a Canadian citizen. Stephane Dion, leader of the Liberal Party, even has dual citizenship with France. He has said he'd give it up if he became PM... a very unlikely scenario after yesterday's election.
Who were the smartest Canadian Prime Ministers?
That is a tough one, but I can come up with some who surely must qualify as very smart. The obvious one is William Lyon Mackenzie King, who had a Ph.D. From Harvard. He was arguably Canada's most successful prime minister, based on longevity if nothing else. John Diefenbaker had seven degrees, including an M.A. in political science. Unfortunately his time in office was not so successful. Charles Tupper had law degrees and was an M.D. Lester Pearson had an M.A. in History and a law degree. He led minority governments which made significant contributions to this country and was also a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Pretty serious smarts in anyone's book. Pierre Trudeau had an M.A. from Harvard and was a very astute and literate politician. Ask any journalist how mentally sharp he was. Joe Clark also had an M.A., but his government only lasted six months. Stephen Harper and John Turner had M.A.s. Harper governed for ten years Turner only for four months. Enough said?That is about the best I can do to answer your question. However, if pressed I'd opt for Pearson as #1.
Who was the most well-liked Canadian Prime Minister? Why?
McLean's Magazine did a poll a few years back and here are the results.Sir Wilfred Laurier was very adept at finding the middle ground in dealing with some very divisive issues and established compromise as both a viable and an attractive political strategy. He created major changes as will by establishing the Department of External Affairs and the Royal Canadian Navy. These were major steps in the move to independence. His government opened the Prairies for settlement and created the new provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta. Sir John MacDonald was the founder of the nation - our first Prime Minister and still holds the record for the most wins (6 election victories). He was a leader, a drunk, a visionary and corrupt. He led the nation from four provinces to Sea to Sea to Sea. built the first Transcontinental railway and the Canadian manufacturing industry, one scandal and two drinks at a time. William L.M. King led Canada through World War II, was probably the best politician and least charismatic leader in Canadian history. He was the only single man, consulted a medium and used the Canadian Historical Association to judge public opinion (before opinion polling) which means that he still holds the record for the longest time in office (21 years)Lester Pearson Gave Canada national medicare, Seniors retirement benefits and a flag - all without having a majority in government. Trudeau beat the Quebec separatists, alienated just about everyone, gave a middle finger to protesters, and gave us a constitution.