Canadians are going to the polls today to decide who will form the next federal government. Voters have a right to get three consecutive hours off work to cast their ballot, if necessary.
Time off work to vote, if necessary
Polls are open for 12 hours in each time zone. Canada is such a big country that it has six major time zones. If someone’s work shift falls in such a way that they do not have three hours before or after their shift to go vote, the employer is obliged to give them time off with pay. Refusal to give them the paid time off can lead to a $2,000 fine or three months in jail.
Turnout expected to be high
Voter turnout is expected to be high. Advance polls held last week attracted more than 3.6 million voters. That was a 71 per cent increase in the number who voted in advance polls in 2011, and more than double the number in 2008.
The race is expected to be close and many Canadians are planning to stay up late to wait for results.
Confidence of the House of Commons is critical
Each person votes for the candidate in their own riding.
If enough candidates from one party win more than half the seats in the House of Commons, that party will rule.
If no party wins a majority of seats, the incumbent prime minister will consider whether he can win the confidence of a majority of the elected representatives, or he may suggest the leader of another party try to do so. Often it is the party that has won the most seats that tries to win the confidence of the house by negotiating with another party.
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