Local Candidates and Issues

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• PowerPoint 5
• Local Candidates and Issues
• https//youtu.be/31rpBaTjlqk

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What is a riding?

• A riding is the name given to a geographical
  area represented by an elected official.
• It is also known as an electoral district or
  constituency.
• The size of a riding is determined by population
  size and geographical features (roads, landmarks,
  etc.).
• Urban ridings are small and densely populated,
  while rural ridings are large and sparse.

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What is an MP?

• At the federal level in Canada, the elected
  official is called a Member of Parliament (MP).
• MPs represent the needs and interests of their
  constituents (people living in their riding) and
  address issues at the local level.
• Canadians will elect 338 MPs in the current
  federal election.

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How do we select our MPs?

• Canada uses a system called First-Past-The-Post
  (FPTP) for selecting MPs.
• One member is selected for each riding.
• (Citizens can only choose one candidate/party on
  the ballot.
• The winning candidate must receive the most
  number of votes.

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How does our system work?

• Below is an example of a riding with 100 ballots
  cast in the election.
• CANDIDATE NUMBER OF VOTES
• Leila (Banana Party) 40
• Mohamed (Pear Party) 15
• Emma (Apple Party) 11
• Thomas (Independent) 34
• Leila wins because she has the most votes.

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How does someone run for election?

• Elections Canada is the independent, non-partisan
  agency responsible for conducting federal
  elections.
• A person running for election is called a
  candidate.
• Any person who wants to run in the federal
  election must file nomination papers with
  Elections Canada by the nomination deadline.
• Political parties select candidates to run for
  their party in ridings across the country.
• Candidates can also run as an independent or
  without any association to a party.
• Elections Canada posts the names of the
  candidates on their website www.elections.ca

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Your Own Political Views

• Your political views are developed from your
  experiences, personal feelings and opinions.
• Your views are also shaped by talking to people
  whose opinions you respect, by researching in the
  media and by reflecting on your own values.

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Getting to know the Candidates

• There are many ways to gather information about
  your local candidates town hall meetings or
  candidate debates, radio and television,
  newspaper and magazines, websites and social
  media, and campaign offices and events.
• To make an informed decision, it is helpful to
  reflect on how you feel about the topics
  discussed throughout the campaign.

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Social Notebook Questions

• How should you evaluate candidates?
• What characteristics or skills do you expect from
  your MP?
• What local issues are important to you?