Category Archives: Confidence Convention

My Latest Article in the Journal of Parliamentary and Political Law: How Governor General Lord Aberdeen Reinforced the Caretaker Convention and Dismissed Prime Minister Tupper from Office

Posted on 2022/07/14 by J.W.J. Bowden

I first uncovered the correspondence in which Governor General Lord Aberdeen dismissed Prime Minister Sir Charles Tupper from office in July 1896 all the way back in 2012 while conducting research on something else. The documents have proven more fruitful … Continue reading →

Posted in Appointment of PM, Caretaker Convention & Government Formation, Confidence Convention, Constitutional Conventions, Crown (Powers and Office), Governor General, Governor's Discretion | 2 Comments

1896: Tupper & Laurier Debate the Role of Governor General and Popular vs Parliamentary Sovereignty

Posted on 2020/04/08 by J.W.J. Bowden

Introduction   On 8 July 1896, Governor General Lord Aberdeen forced Prime Minister Sir Charles Tupper from office by refusing to promulgate his constitutional advice and sign off on Orders-in-Council to summon senators and make other appointments. Tupper sought to fill … Continue reading →

Posted in Appointment of PM, Caretaker Convention & Government Formation, Confidence Convention, Constitutional Conventions, Crown (Powers and Office), Dorchester Review, Formation of Governments, History of British North America | 3 Comments

Saskatchewan Needs a New Lieutenant Governor Forthwith

Posted on 2019/07/16 by J.W.J. Bowden

W. Thomas Molloy, the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, died in office on 2 July at the age of 78, and he was laid to rest on 13 July in Saskatoon.[1] This leaves his family and friends in mourning. And it … Continue reading →

Posted in Confidence Convention, Constitutional Conventions, Corporation Sole, Crown (Powers and Office), Lieutenant Governors | 4 Comments

Death by Deadlock: The Fate of the Gallant Government

Posted on 2018/10/21 by J.W.J. Bowden

By James Bowden and Lyle Skinner  Table of Contents Executive Summary. 1 Introduction. 1 First Principles and Rationales in Forming Governments. 3 The Lieutenant-Governor’s First Duty Under Responsible Government 3 The Incumbent Government Stays In Office Unless the Assembly or … Continue reading →

Posted in Confidence Convention, Constitutional Conventions, Crown (Powers and Office), Formation of Governments | 3 Comments

What The Conservative-DUP Agreement Says about Votes of Confidence Under the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act

Posted on 2017/06/26 by J.W.J. Bowden

The Conservative and Unionist Party and the Democratic Unionist Party have finally hammered out a supply agreement that would give May’s minority government a parliamentary majority. You can read it here: Confidence and Supply Agreement between the Conservative Party and the … Continue reading →

Posted in Confidence Convention, Fixed-Date Elections, Formation of Governments | 2 Comments