The process of redefining electoral boundaries is called redistribution, and the results are recorded in a "representation order".
As well, the party in power does not need to have a majority of seats in the House of Commons – and under the current multi-party system, quite often does not have that.
The Gallagher Index of disproportionality for Canadian federal elections in that period has ranged from 6.26 to 20.91, in line with some of its comparables — Australia, New Zealand (prior to adoption of MMP in 1992) and United States (presidential electoral college), but significantly higher than many others, for example Belgium, Germany, Ireland, United States (House) and the Scandinavian countries.
[2] This law does not curtail the power of the governor general to dissolve Parliament at any time, as was done for the 2008 election at the request of Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
If a government loses a confidence motion, traditionally the prime minister will ask the governor general to call an election.
The governor general when approached by the prime minister who has lost a vote of confidence will traditionally call an election.
The leader of this party is then summoned by the governor-general and sworn in as Prime Minister of Canada shortly after the election concludes.
Each of the elected candidates has a seat in the House of Commons, where they debate and vote on draft legislation (called bills) and thus attempt to have an influence on government policy.
A party having a majority of the seats can pass what it wants despite any opposition from the group(s) holding the minority of seats, but the imperative to be re-elected and any moral pressure the opposition can impose may temper its legislative agenda All citizens (18 years and older) have the right to a voice in choosing their parliamentary representatives.
Its public information activities include Between elections, the agency publishes additional background information for the public, keeps its telephone enquiries centre and website open to answer questions, and works with educators to encourage young people to vote when they become eligible (18 years and older).
Mobile polls serve voters living in certain institutions, such as nursing homes for people who are elderly or who have a disability.
[citation needed] Very few government proposals have approval of every political party represented in the House of Commons.