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• Canadian Political System

Where can I get information on Canadian political parties?

There are many political parties in Canada. Some parties represent a particular region or interest group. Some parties represent many issues and all of Canada.

Major parties include:

• Conservative Party of Canada
• Green Party
• Liberal Party
• New Democratic Party (NDP)

Most of these political parties have counterparts at a provincial level. You can also find information on political parties in Ontario. There are other parties outside of these major ones and you can see a full list of registered political parties across Canada on the Elections Canada page. 

Elections and Voting

There is no set schedule for elections. Usually, elections happen every few years, depending on the level of government:

• Federal - every 4-5 years (unless an election is called earlier)
• Provincial - every 4 years
• Municipal (local) - every 4 years

To be eligible to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections, you must be:

• A Canadian citizen;
• 18 years old or older; and
• Registered as a voter in an electoral riding (district).

Permanent residents and temporary residents (foreign students, foreign workers) are not eligible to vote.

Find out more about voting in the different elections in these articles:

• Your Guide to Voting in the Canadian Federal Election
• Your Guide to Voting in an Ontario Provincial Election
• Your Guide to Voting in a Municipal Election

For More Information

• A Look at Canada: Federal Elections - A brief summary of how federal elections are organized.
• Federal Members of Parliament by Province and Territory - List of Members of Parliament by Province and Territory. Also allows you to search and contact your MP directly.
• Contact Your MPP - Contact information for Members of Provincial Parliament in Ontario.
• Elections Canada - This agency runs federal election services. The site has information about how to register to vote, how to vote, and election laws.
• Elections Ontario - This agency runs provincial election services. The site has information about how to register to vote, how to vote, and election laws.
• Registered Political Parties in Canada - A list of all registered political parties in Canada (federal level). This list is on the Elections Canada website.
• Registered Political Parties in Ontario - A list of all registered political parties in Ontario (provincial level). This list is on the Elections Ontario website.