We elect people to the House of Commons and to provincial legislatures to represent our interests. In Canada, as well as in the provinces, any person who is entitled to vote can be a candidate for election to Parliament or to a provincial legislative assembly. Membership to a political party is not necessary, but it is not very easy for independent candidates to win elections. The candidate receiving the largest number of votes in each riding is declared elected. In our system the votes for all other candidates are not represented in our legislatures.
At sittings of Parliament, Members oversee the activities of government and represent the interests of their constituents.
