How many seats in the Canadian Parliament?
The Canadian Parliament, which is the legislative branch of the federal government, consists of a House of Commons and a Senate. The number of seats in the House of Commons is a crucial factor in determining the representation of Canadian citizens and the balance of power within the government. In this article, we will explore the current number of seats in the Canadian Parliament and its significance in the political landscape of the country.
The House of Commons is the lower house of the Parliament, and it is composed of Members of Parliament (MPs) who are elected by the Canadian citizens. The number of seats in the House of Commons has evolved over time, with the most recent amendment made in 1985. As of the 2015 federal election, there are 338 seats in the House of Commons. This number is based on the population distribution across the country, as determined by the census conducted every five years.
The allocation of seats in the House of Commons is governed by the Constitution Act, 1867, which stipulates that each province is entitled to a number of seats proportional to its population. The formula for calculating the number of seats per province is as follows:
Number of seats = Population of the province / Population per seat
The population per seat is determined by dividing the total population of Canada by the total number of seats in the House of Commons. This formula ensures that each province has a fair representation in the Parliament, taking into account the varying population sizes.
The Senate, on the other hand, is the upper house of the Parliament and is composed of appointed senators. The number of senators is fixed at 105, with each province having equal representation. Unlike the House of Commons, the Senate’s role is to provide regional representation and to act as a check on the House of Commons.
The number of seats in the Canadian Parliament is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it determines the balance of power between the federal government and the provinces. With a larger number of seats, the federal government can more easily pass legislation and implement policies. Secondly, the number of seats affects the distribution of power within the political parties. A larger number of seats can lead to a more diverse representation of political views and interests.
In conclusion, the Canadian Parliament consists of 338 seats in the House of Commons and 105 seats in the Senate. The number of seats in the House of Commons is determined by the population distribution across the country, while the Senate provides equal representation for each province. The number of seats in the Canadian Parliament plays a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the country and ensuring fair representation for all citizens.
