Prime Minister of Canada (Plain-Language Summary)

History

In Canada, the head of the federal government is called the prime minister. The heads of the provinces are called premiers. The two terms mean the same thing: first minister, or chief minister.

Canada has had 23 different PMs since Confederation. Sir John A. Macdonald (who held office from 1867–73 and 1878–91) was the first. Justin Trudeau (2015–present) is the current PM. William Lyon Mackenzie King (December 1921–June 1926; September 1926–August 1930; October 1935–November 1948) was prime minister the longest: 21 years, five months. Wilfrid Laurier (1896–1911) was in office for the longest single period: 15 years. Sir Charles Tupper (May 1896–July 1896) held office for the least amount of time: 68 days. Kim Campbell (June–November 1993) has been the country’s only female PM.

Prime ministers have come from across the country, and across the sea. The first two PMs, Macdonald and Alexander Mackenzie, were both born in Scotland. Mackenzie Bowell and John Turner were born in England. Sir John Abbott, from Lower Canada (now Quebec), became the first Canadian-born PM in 1891. The most PMs have come from Quebec (seven) and Ontario (six).

Prime Ministers of Canada

Who Becomes Prime Minister?

Formally, a PM is appointed by the governor general (GG). Prime ministers are not elected to the role. Instead, the PM is the leader of the party that has the confidence (support) of the House of Commons. Usually, the PM is elected to a seat in the House as a member of Parliament (MP). Party leaders can become PM even if they are not MPs. But they would normally seek a seat in an election or a by-election.

The Constitution requires that elections be held at least every five years. In 2007, Parliament passed a fixed-date election law. It says that an election will be held on the third Monday in October every four years. Usually, the PM’s party would have the most seats in the House after an election. If a PM’s party has a majority of seats, his or her government typically holds power for up to four years (or five years, before 2007). Minority governments usually last less than four years.

Powers and Responsibilities

The PM is the most powerful role in Canadian politics. They control the governing party and speak for it. After taking office, they are able to make many patronage appointments. They use these to reward the party faithful. The prime minister appoints senators and senior judges. They also appoint and dismisses all members of Cabinet. The duties of a PM are not defined in any written law. They instead adhere to convention.

As chair of Cabinet, the PM controls the agenda at meetings. They also select the members of Cabinet committees. This gives the PM much influence over the activities of Parliament. The PM also enjoys a special relationship with the Crown. The PM is the only person who can consult with the GG, and advise them to dissolve or prorogue Parliament and call an election. Prime ministers can also call meetings with the premiers to discuss any national issue.

The PM has offices on Parliament Hill and in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the Privy Council Office (PCO). The PM is provided housing (24 Sussex Drive) across the road from Rideau Hall, where the GG lives.

Concentration of Power

Prime ministers have always had much control over government. However, until the 1970s, the PM was seen as “the first among equals” in Cabinet. The PM’s power was kept in check by the need for agreement within Cabinet and the party caucus. The needs of the public service and the premiers also acted as limits on a PM’s power. But since the 1970s, the role of PM has grown much more powerful. This is partly because government is growing more and more complex. As it does, it becomes harder to hold to account. The rise of the Internet has led to greater control over government communications. Cabinet ministers were once responsible for the policies and programs of their departments. But today, most issues and programs are managed by the staff inside the PMO.

At the same time, political parties have grown less democratic. They are also more centrally controlled by the party leader and their advisers. Prime ministers from Pierre Trudeau to Stephen Harper have defended the increasing power of the PM. Political scientist and author Donald Savoie has been a critic of such concentrated power. He has argued that Canada’s democracy is suffering as a result.

Prime ministers in Canada have historically served much longer terms than in other democracies. This is thanks in part to the control PMs exercise over their parties and their caucuses. But the PM’s power is not absolute. Members of Parliament and public pressure can force governments to change course. Canada’s courts also act as checks on both parliamentary and executive power.

See also Timeline: Elections and Prime Ministers; Canadian Prime Ministers.