The Canadian Parliament

 Based on Canada’s Political Development and Challenges (JANINE BRODIE AND ALEXA DEGAGNE): Chapter 14: The Parliament

Parliament scrutinizes the Government Emergency declaration: Canada’s parliament ensures Canadians have good governance.

The General Functions of Parliament: Canadian parliament is like Britain’s Parliament. Its sub-categories of functions are Policy-making (parliament members support its government’s law-making policies), Representational (Government members make decisions on behalf of Canadians), and System maintenance activities (Follow the parliament systems).

Canadian Parliament: is made of three elements, the Crown (the King), the Senate, and the House of Commons. It’s a bicameral Legislator, which means it has two chambers. British root: As the Canadian Parliament follows like British Parliament, it differs from American Parliament. The evolution of Parliament in Canada: In 1940, the Act of Union first established that there would be an elective Legislative in the United Province of Canada. The Constitution Act was created in 1967.

The House of Commons: terms as Lower House. It is more critical than the Upper House. The House of Commons determined the life of the government. That’s why the Lower House is called the “confidence chamber.” Styles of Representation:

Representation in the House of Commons: Each province has some seats in the House of Commons proportioned by the population. Styles of Representation: Members represent their area’s population. Opposite members put questions on policies. In the close door meeting (Caucus), all representatives inform their interests and concerns. Party Discipline: It’s strictly followed in the House of Commons that all members will support their party’s decision. Diversity of Representations: Canada lacks diversity in choosing the representative in the House of Commons. Minority and Majority government: If a political party can hold the majority of parliament seats, they can create a Majority government. Otherwise, they have to make a Minority government with help of other supporting political parties. The Officers of the House of Commons: Members and officers who keep the House of Commons working. The Parliamentary Schedule: A parliament’s life stays in between two elections. The Passage of Bills: House of Commons’ primary duty is to consider the bills (Proposed Laws). Public Bills: for the whole society. Private Member’s Bill: These are also Public Bills put on by members who are not cabinet ministers. Private Bills: These concerns only limited populations. The Time Management of Debates on Bills: The process of bill passing is a time-consuming process. Omnibus Bills: It takes more time. The Opposition and Holding the Government to Account: Though the government wants to pass a bill fast, the opposition party tries to hold the time to debate more. House of Commons Committee: There are five different committees; the Standing Committee, the Legislative Committee, the Special Committee, the Committee of Whole, and the Joint Committee. House of Commons Effectiveness: the power growth is in the Prime Minister’s hand, and less energy is in the legislature. Standing Committee Independence: Indipendent, and can start the investigation independently. Economic and Fiscal Overview: Important to questions on government work. Committee Scrutiny and Appointments: The SO in the House of Commons need to appoint an Order of Councils. Increasing the Number of Officers of the Legislature and Their Structural Independence: Recently done. Recognition of Parties in the Parliament: Reduced the effectiveness of these powers.

The Senate: There are questions about its necessity.

Reasons for Establishment: To keep a sober second thought. Appointments to the Senate: Governor General appoints the Senate with the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The Significance of the Senate: The Legislative power is almost the same as the House of Commons. Senate Reform: Some want to obliterate it. Regional and Provincial Representation: Because of the growth f the West new seats were allocated. Legislative Review: The Senate doesn’t challenge the policies but tries to improve them. Inter-Governmental Relations: It could be a medium to reduce conflicts between the federal and provincial governments. Representative of Minorities: doesn’t recognize the minority. Protection of Democracy and Representativeness: The Senate could check the Prime Minister's power. Attempts to Reform the Senate: The debate is going on to reform the Senate more democratically.