Canadian House of Commons

The House of Commons (French: Chambre des communes) is a component of the Parliament of Canada, which also includes the Sovereign (represented by the Governor General) and the Senate. The House of Commons is a democratically elected body, consisting of 308 members, who are known as Members of Parliament. Members are elected for limited terms, holding office until Parliament is dissolved (a maximum of five years). Each member is elected by, and represents, an electoral district, which is colloquially known as a riding.

Related Topics:
French - Parliament of Canada - Sovereign - Governor General - Senate - 308 members - Electoral district

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The House of Commons was established in 1867, when the British North America Act 1867 created the Dominion of Canada, and was modelled on the British House of Commons. In practice, the House of Commons (the lower house) holds far more power than the Senate (the upper house), and is by far the dominant branch of Parliament. Although the approval of both Houses is necessary for legislation, the Senate very rarely rejects bills passed by the Commons. Moreover, the Government of Canada is responsible solely to the House of Commons; the Prime Minister stays in office only as long as he or she retains the support of the Lower House.

Related Topics:
1867 - British North America Act 1867 - Dominion of Canada - British House of Commons - Lower house - Upper house - Prime Minister

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It is often misunderstood that "Commons" is a shortening of the word "commoners"; in reality, the term "Commons" derives from the Anglo-Norman word communes, meaning "localities." Canada remains the only nation besides the United Kingdom to use the name "House of Commons" for the Lower House of Parliament. The Canadian House of Commons meets at Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Ontario.

Related Topics:
Anglo-Norman - United Kingdom - House of Commons - Parliament Hill - Ottawa - Ontario

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