How the Prime Minister Is Chosen in Canada

In Canada, the Prime Minister is not chosen by a direct national vote. After a federal election, the leader of the political party that wins the most seats in the House of Commons is usually asked to become Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is the head of government: they choose the Cabinet ministers and lead the country from day to day.

Who becomes Prime Minister after an election?

Canadians do not vote directly for a Prime Minister. They vote for a Member of Parliament (MP) in their local riding. Once all the results are in, the party that has won the most seats in the House of Commons normally forms the government, and its leader is asked to become Prime Minister. This is a core idea in our overview of how Canada is governed.

Because of this system, the Prime Minister is also an ordinary MP, elected by the voters of a single riding just like every other member of the House of Commons.

What does the Prime Minister do?

The Prime Minister is the head of government and runs the country from day to day. This role is different from the head of state, a distinction explained in our guide on the head of state versus the head of government. The Prime Minister sets the direction of the government, represents Canada at home and abroad, and answers to Parliament and to voters.

How is the Cabinet chosen?

After becoming Prime Minister, the leader selects the Cabinet ministers who take charge of government departments.

• The Prime Minister chooses the Cabinet ministers, usually from among elected MPs.
• Each minister is responsible for a department, such as finance or health.
• The Prime Minister and Cabinet together form the core of the executive branch.
• The government must keep the confidence of the House of Commons to stay in power.

Is the Prime Minister elected directly?

No. No voter anywhere in Canada marks a ballot for Prime Minister as such. You can test your understanding of this and similar questions with our free practice exams. The Prime Minister holds office because they lead the party with the most seats, not because of a separate national election.

Frequently asked questions

Do Canadians vote directly for a Prime Minister? No. They elect a Member of Parliament in their riding. The Prime Minister is the leader of the party that wins the most seats.

What happens if no party wins a majority? The party with the most seats usually forms a minority government, which must rely on other members of the House to govern.

Is the Prime Minister also an MP? Yes. The Prime Minister is elected as a Member of Parliament in their own riding, just like every other member of the House of Commons.