Question from a curious American about forming a government

[mndemsocialist]

Hello, all,

I understand that the governing party has to go before the House on non-confidence votes, during their mandate.

But I have read references to "going before the House" for a confidence vote right after an election.

What does "going before the House" mean, right after an election?

Does the new House then sit and "elect" the PM? And if there is no way to win a confidence vote, the GG will call on another party to meet the House?

I was under the impression that the party leader with the most seats goes the morning after the election to the GG and receives the right to form the government. I know that's the British method. Is it so in Canada?

I am sure that the GG can not go to the current ruling party and say to them, "You've been in long enough, it's time for a new government"...but it would be nice

[Spazito]

1. This will take a bit of explaining so bear with me...

In Canada, an election must be called every 4 years, this is a relatively recent criteria as it used to be much more flexible with a max of 5 years when the ruling party holds the majority of seats.

If the governing party doesn't hold the majority of seats in the House but holds more than any of the opposition parties then they form what is known as a minority government which has to depend on support from at least some of the opposition party members to stay in power. A minority government can fall at any time, a majority government can govern for the 4 full years without a realistic possibility of losing a vote on any of their bills.

A party that wins the majority of seats in the House of Parliament becomes the government, it's as simple as that.

The GG is only asked to dissolve Parliament in order to trigger an election and this happens either after the 4 years with a majority government or after a minority government loses a confidence vote in the House.

I hope this helps.