Prince Edward Island

A

National Representation

Prince Edward Island is represented in the Canadian Parliament by four elected representatives in the House of Commons and three senators in the Senate. The senators are appointed by the federal government.

B

Executive

The nominal head of government is the lieutenant governor, who is appointed by the federal government. Real power resides with the premier, who is the leader of the party that commands a majority in the legislature. The premier appoints an executive council, or cabinet, usually composed of ten members who head the various government departments. The premier and cabinet remain in power as long as they have the confidence of a majority in the provincial legislature, called the Legislative Assembly.

C

Legislature

The Legislative Assembly is a unicameral (single-house) body of 27 members who represent regional constituencies across the island. Charlottetown elects five members to the assembly and Summerside elects two. The remaining constituencies each elect one member. Assembly members are elected for terms of five years, but the assembly may be dissolved at any time by the lieutenant governor, at the request of the premier, or in the event that the government loses a vote of confidence. All citizens age 18 or older may vote.

D

Judiciary

The judicial system consists of a supreme court that contains trial division and appeals division courts, as well as one provincial court. The justices of the supreme court and the provincial court are appointed by the federal government.

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E

Political Parties

Since the late 19th century, two parties have dominated electoral politics on Prince Edward Island: the Liberal Party and the Conservative Party. Third parties have fared poorly in the province.

VI

History

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