Category Archives: Formation of Governments

Some Discretion: On Dissolution and the Lieutenant Governor

Posted on 2017/06/29 by J.W.J. Bowden

  Here are the general principles at play in dissolving legislatures and appointing premiers if Premier Clark’s ministry loses the confidence of the legislative assembly today.

Posted in Appointment of PM, Caretaker Convention & Government Formation, Crown (Powers and Office), Dissolution, Formation of Governments, Lieutenant Governors | 1 Comment

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

Can the 41st Legislature of British Columbia Elect a Speaker?

Posted on 2017/05/30 by J.W.J. Bowden

A Hung Parliament and Revival of 19th-Century Norms British Columbians went to the polls on 9 May 2017 and appeared to elect a hung parliament. Elections British Columbia had to conduct some mandatory recounts and count absentee and other ballots … Continue reading →

Posted in Formation of Governments | 40 Comments

Kathleen Wynne’s Fairy Tale of the Invincible Premier

Posted on 2016/12/21 by J.W.J. Bowden

In a recent interview with the Toronto Star, Premier Wynne responded to the lingering suspicions that she will soon resign as leader of the Liberal Party of Ontario and as Premier of Ontario with a novel theory on the authority … Continue reading →

Posted in Crown (Powers and Office), Formation of Governments, Succession (Prime Minister) | Leave a comment

Who Made This Statement About Government Formation in Minority Parliaments?

Posted on 2013/06/10 by J.W.J. Bowden

“Whichever party gets the most votes and the most seats, if not an absolute majority, has the first right to seek to govern, either on its own or by reaching out to other parties.” I hope that the Canadian media … Continue reading →

Posted in Caretaker Convention & Government Formation, Crown (Powers and Office), Formation of Governments | 3 Comments