Canadian Party Discipline

PARTY DISCIPLINE IN THE CANADIAN HOUSE OF COMMONS
Most democratic countries around the world today can fall under two main types of political systems: the parliamentary system and the presidential system. Even though many similarities exist among the two systems and they function well for their respective countries, they also have many differences, with the level of party discipline being one of the most important differences. In North America, with Canada having a parliamentary system and the United States having a presidential system, it is not uncommon for legislators of each country to see the advantages of the other type of legislature being very attractive. Thus many critics have argued that the convention of party discipline as currently
Instead they are allowed to vote according to their own conscious and/or to the decisions made by the voters in their constituencies, because after all, as some critics say, members are elected by their constituents and should be responsible to them.11 This will result with the MPs playing a more important role in the House of Commons in terms of passing legislations. Also, if party discipline were relaxed in Canada, representation for all areas of Canada may improve.12 For example, it will be easier for MPs from western provinces to challenge their party, if needed, in support of western issues; coalitions of members from different political
and Doreen Jackson. “Institutions – Parliamentary Reform?” Politics in Canada: Culture, Institutions, Behavior and Public Policy 6th edition. Toronto: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2006: 342–344

Mahler, Gregory. “Congress and the House of Commons: Legislative Behavior and Legislative Roles in Two Democracies.” Ed. C. Soe. Annual Editions; Comparative Politics, 02/03. 20th edition. Guilford, CN: McGraw-Hill, 2002: 74–78

Ontario Legislative Assembly, Legislative Library, Research and Information Service. Party Discipline and Legislative Voting. Prepared by Philip Kaye. Current Issue Paper #28. Ontario Legislative Assembly, Legislative Library: Research and Information Service, October 1984

Ozbudun, Ergun. Party Cohesion in Western Democracies: a Causal Analysis. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications, 1970

Pothier, Dianne. “Parties and Free Votes in the Canadian House of Commons: The Case of Capital Punishment” Journal of Canadian Studies 14. Peterborough, Ontario: Trent University Summer 1979: 94

Westmacott, Martin W. “Whips and Party Cohesion.” Canadian Parliamentary Review 6.3. Ottawa: Regional Council, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Autumn 1983: