When does Canada hold its national and local elections?
Canada is a multi-party, parliamentary democracy. Elections in Canada occur at three levels: federal, provincial, and municipal. There are no set times when federal and provincial elections are held. Regulations pertaining to municipal elections fall under the jurisdiction of the province within which the municipality is located. In Ontario, where I live, municipal elections are held every three years and are carried out in every municipality in the province at the same time. In Ontario, one also votes for school board trustees during the municipal elections. Other provinces have their own regulations and practices. Federal and provincial elections follow different procedures. The government in power must call an election within five years of being elected. The campaign period can be no less than 36 days in length, but is usually less than eight weeks (56 days). A government can, therefore, be in power for slightly over five years. There is no minimum period between elections. Election
