The Political Party in Canada

Political parties in Canada play a central role in democratic politics, but power lies within their complex structures. This book examines the composition, roles, and power-sharing relationships of key party actors, using data from the 2015 and 2019 federal elections. It explores how parties recruit and select candidates and leaders, wage election campaigns, and organize legislatures. The authors focus on which groups are included in decision-making and what power and authority rest with each level of the parties' structures.

Format: Hardback
Length: 338 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2022
Publisher: University of British Columbia Press

Political parties are at the heart of democratic politics, but where does power lie within them and how is it exercised? The Political Party in Canada delves into the inner workings of these complex organizations by examining the composition and roles of key party actors such as members, activists, candidates, local associations, donors, central officials, and members of Parliament. It also explores the interactions between these actors. Contemporary parties play a crucial role in recruiting and selecting candidates and leaders, running election campaigns, and organizing legislatures.

Drawing on a rich trove of data from the 2015 and 2019 federal elections, this book offers a comprehensive examination of the composition, functions, activities, and power-sharing relationships that characterize Canadian parties. The authors focus not only on which groups are included in decision-making but also on what power and authority rest with each level of the parties' respective structures.

Basing its astute investigation on the themes of complexity, representation, and personalization, The Political Party in Canada provides important insights into a fundamental institution that makes modern democracy possible.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780774868235