Government

Backbencher

An MP who is not part of Cabinet or the Opposition’s Shadow Cabinet.

Cabinet

A group of government ministers chosen by the Prime Minister to head departments (e.g. Finance, Health).

Caucus

A private meeting of all MPs from the same political party.

Deputy Minister

The top public servant who helps a Cabinet Minister run a department.

Executive Branch

The branch of government that carries out laws and runs daily operations.

Governor General

The King’s representative in Canada; gives Royal Assent to laws.

House of Commons

The main law-making body of Parliament, where elected MPs debate and vote on bills.

Judicial Branch

The system of courts that interprets and applies the law.

Leader of the Opposition

The head of the political party with the second-largest number of seats in the House of Commons.

Party Whip

An MP who ensures party members attend votes and follow party policy.

Member of Parliament (MP)

An elected representative in the House of Commons.

Official Opposition

The political party with the second-largest number of seats.

Parliament

Canada’s federal law-making body: includes the Monarch, Senate, and House of Commons.

Legislative Branch

The branch that makes and debates laws.

Prime Minister

The head of government and leader of the political party in power.

Public Servant

A government employee who works in a department or agency.

Senate

The “upper house” of Parliament that reviews and revises bills from the House of Commons.

Shadow Cabinet

Opposition MPs who “shadow” government ministers and critique their work.

Supreme Court

The highest court in Canada; interprets the Constitution and makes final legal decisions.

First Reading

The bill is introduced to the House of Commons with no debate.

Second Reading

Members debate the main idea or principle of the bill.

Committee Stage

A committee studies the bill in detail, makes changes, and can call experts or witnesses.

Report Stage

The committee reports the bill back to the House, and Members may suggest further changes.

Third Reading

Final debate and vote in the House of Commons; if passed, it moves to the Senate.

Royal Assent

The Governor General gives formal approval on behalf of the King, making the bill law.