Talking Elections with Your Child

October 18, 2019 | RayL

Image from the Toronto Star Photograph Archive.

It’s election season and your child may be wondering why the neighborhood is full of lawn signs and the television is filled with ads from political parties and third parties. This is a timely opportunity to talk with your child about the democratic process. Here are some key points to begin that conversation.

In Canada, our system of government is a constitutional monarchy. A constitutional monarchy is one where the Queen is the head of state and is represented by a Governor General. The Prime Minister is the head of the government and selects a cabinet that is responsible for different departments.

Consider asking your child how they would select the best person for each department.

In Canada, eligible voters vote for a local representative. Local representatives may or may not belong to a political party. If no party gets a majority, a minority government may be formed, whereby support from others will be required to pass legislation. Minority governments fall if they lose a confidence vote or an important bill (such as a budget bill) is not passed.

Consider asking your child what makes a good local representative.

In a free and democratic society, eligible voters have the right to vote for a candidate of their choosing. Voters select a local candidate based on their values and the party's political platform. It is a freedom that is coded in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.