Elections in Canada: People, Players, and Processes

By: Tamara A. Small and Royce Koop

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Synopsis: Elections serve as a reflection not only of voter choices but also of the historical and legal context of a country’s governance. Emphasizing the significant influence of the electoral process, Elections in Canada examines the intricate relationships between voter preferences, historical and legal frameworks, campaign dynamics, political figures, and media platforms. Organized into five comprehensive sections, the book provides a detailed exploration of Canadian electoral processes. Beginning with a broad examination of election administration, it situates the analysis within a wider democratic and comparative context. The book outlines key institutional building blocks and the unique constitutional and legislative settings that have evolved since Confederation. It analyses national campaigns, constituency campaigns, third parties, and journalists, as well as the pivotal role of political communication, debates, and polling. Reflecting on the diverse landscape of voter participation, the book considers the engagement of women, Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, and LGBTQ2+ communities. It sheds light on landmark cases, discussing five pivotal elections that had long-standing impacts on the development of Canadian political history. Ultimately, Elections in Canada draws on a variety of perspectives to provide politics students and instructors with a comprehensive overview of both contemporary and historical Canadian elections.