Author Archives: J.W.J. Bowden

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About J.W.J. Bowden

My area of academic expertise lies in Canadian political institutions, especially the Crown, political executive, and conventions of Responsible Government; since 2011, I have made a valuable contribution to the scholarship by having been published and cited extensively. I’m also a contributing editor to the Dorchester Review and a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Parliamentary and Political Law.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee

Posted on 2022/02/08 by J.W.J. Bowden

  The sixth of February 2022 marked the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne and thus the Platinum Jubilee of the Queen of Canada. Elizabeth II has become the first Sovereign to attain this milestone, and we … Continue reading →

Posted in Documentaries, Reviews | 1 Comment

The Disgrace of Boris Johnson

Posted on 2022/02/03 by J.W.J. Bowden

  The British press first reported on allegations on 30 November 2021 that Number 10 Downing Street had held numerous parties and social gatherings in contravention of the lockdowns and restrictions throughout 2020 and 2021. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson … Continue reading →

Posted in Electing & Ousting Party Leaders, Parliament, Party Discipline | 1 Comment

Consociationalism and Bifurcated Cabinets in Northern Ireland

Posted on 2022/01/26 by J.W.J. Bowden

The dysfunction, conflict, and ideological incoherence at the heart of the Northern Irish Executive offers a modern analogy to what the dual ministries and co-premiership of the Province of Canada might have looked like.

Posted in Comparative, Confirmation Voting | 3 Comments

Orrrrrrrddaaaaa! Speaking in the Second Person

Posted on 2022/01/18 by J.W.J. Bowden

Rhoticity Makes Melody Speakers of the House of Commons of Canada sound so flat when they say, “Order” in our rhotic (pronouncing the ‘r’) North American accents. Australian and British Speakers of the House sound far more comical and entertaining … Continue reading →

Posted in Decorum, Parliament | Leave a comment

Remember, Remember the Fifth of November: Nova Scotia Enacts Canada’s Last Fixed-Date Election Law

Posted on 2022/01/11 by J.W.J. Bowden

Nova Scotia’s Failed Fixed-Date Election Bills, 2007-2014 No province has agonized over fixed-date elections like Nova Scotia. Its House of Assembly has debated several private members’ bills to establish fixed-date elections and almost joined in the first wave of legislation … Continue reading →

Posted in Dissolution, Fixed-Date Elections | 1 Comment