Government in Canada

Canada is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. It has a system of parliamentary government made up of three parts: the Queen, the House of Commons, and the Senate.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is our Head of State. The Queen is represented in Canada by the Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean.

Canadians elect representatives, called Members of Parliament (or MPs), to sit in the House of Commons. The leader of the political party with the most elected members of Parliament sitting in the House of Commons becomes the Prime Minister.

Those who serve in the Senate are called senators. They are chosen by the Prime Minister and appointed by the Governor General.