Does Canada have a prime minister?

Answer 1

The Canadian Crown exists separate and apart from the other Crowns. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the Queen of Canada in her own right.

Furthermore, Section 9 of Canada's Constitution Actstates:

"9. The Executive Government and Authority of and over Canada is hereby declared to continue and be vested in the Queen."

Answer 2

The Queen of the United Kingdom (which includes England) and the Queen of Canada are two legally distinct offices, which happen to be occupied by the same person. Neither office has any authority in the other's realm.

On paper, the Prime Minister of Canada does answer to the Queen of Canada, since the Prime Minister is appointed and can be replaced entirely under the Queen's authority. However, several factors negate this authority in practice.

The Queen is seldom in Canada and does not interfere when she is. Almost all of her authority and responsibilities in right of Canada are delegated to her federal viceroy, the Governor General of Canada. Thus, it is the Governor General who in practice appoints and replaces prime ministers.

Further, centuries of convention, including the principle of responsible government, restrict the Governor General's ability to act independently. In order for the replacement of a Prime Minister to be politically viable, the House of Commons has to pass a motion indicating that it does not have confidence in the Government. If a Prime Minister believes such a motion will occur and cannot prevent it by asking the Governor General to prorogue or dissolve Parliament, he will usually resign preemptively in order to save face.

As a result, the Prime Minister is ultimately responsible to the House of Commons, which is itself (in theory) responsible to the electorate.

The Prime Minister is also responsible to his political party, since it is the support of his caucus (Members of Parliament belonging to his party) that allows him to be Prime Minister.

Answer 3

Yes. Governors General of Canada have often met with the reigning monarch. They also maintain regular correspondence.

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The Governor General in Canada does not answer to QEII, or any Queen other than the ceremonial one on Canadian paper. The Governor General, David Lloyd Johnston, fulfills a ceremonial role for the Canadian People and our elected representatives via the Prime Minister of Canada. Though many do long for the days when we answered to Britain, our political references to the Queen and Royal stations are ceremonial only. Canada is independent from Britain politically.

Answer 4

Where is the Queen now that Canada is falling apart?

Answer 5

Yes, Canada has a prime minister. As of 2010, it is currently Stephen Harper.

Answer 6

No, the Queen is the Head of State, with the Governor General representing her in Canada.

Answer 7

Yes, Queen Elizabeth is the Queen and head of state of Canada.