CA Citizenship

Government & Democracy

Federal elections

In a federal election, Canadians in each of the country's electoral districts (ridings) vote for a candidate to be their Member of Parliament.

Key facts

  • Canada is divided into electoral districts called ridings or constituencies.
  • The candidate with the most votes in a riding becomes its Member of Parliament.
  • Federal elections must be held on a fixed date, or earlier if the government loses a confidence vote.
  • After an election, the leader of the party with the most seats is asked to form government.

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