Fixed Election Dates in Canada

Historically, election dates in Canada have been unfixed and decided by the Prime Minister and his/her government (or in the case of Canada's provinces and territories, by their respective Premiers and/or governments). Sitting governments, having the confidence of their legislatures, could choose the most opertune date to hold an election so long as it was less than five years after the writs were returned for the previous election.

In recent years, governments in Canada have explored ways to reform the democratic systems of their respective constituencies. One component of this broad democratic reform agenda has been the discussion and/or passage of fixed election dates. Fixed election dates are generally considered more advantagous than unfixed dates due to their higher associated levels of fairness, transparency, predictability, policy planning, and voter turnout.

In 2001, British Columbia became the first province in Canada to adopt legislation fixing provincial election dates. In 2005, British Columbia became the first province in Canada to hold an election on a fixed date. Other provinces have since adopted similar measures, namely Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador in 2004. In 2007, the Government of Canada adopted legislation fixing election dates at the federal level.

Among the constituencies that have adopted fixed election dates in Canada, all have opted for 4-year terms between elections. It should be noted that, in cases of minority government, sitting governments can advise the dissolution of their legislatures at any time prior to the stipulated election date in the event of a vote of non-confience. In this situation, an election would be called immeadiately with the subsequent election being scheduled for 4 years thereafter.

Countries that have adopted or previously established fixed election dates include the United States, Mexico, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Countries which currently have unfixed election dates include Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.