What kind of role does the Sovereign play in Parliament?
- An important, non-partisan role as the focus of citizenship and allegiance
- The Sovereign chooses the governing party
- The Sovereign leads Cabinet meetings
- The Sovereign votes in the Senate
Answer: An important, non-partisan role as the focus of citizenship and allegiance
The Sovereign is part of Parliament but stays above party politics. The role is to be the focus of citizenship and allegiance, seen most clearly during royal visits to Canada. Elected officials, led by the Prime Minister, actually govern.
Learn more: Constitutional monarchy
- Head of State: the Sovereign, King Charles III.
- Head of Government: the Prime Minister, who actually directs the governing of the country. Canada clearly separates the two roles.
- The Sovereign plays an important, non-partisan role as the focus of citizenship and allegiance, most visibly during royal visits.
- The Sovereign is a symbol of Canadian sovereignty, a guardian of constitutional freedoms and a reflection of our history.
- As Head of the Commonwealth, the Sovereign links Canada to 55 other member countries that cooperate for social, economic and cultural progress.
- Other constitutional monarchies include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Spain, Thailand, Japan, Jordan and Morocco.
- The Governor General represents the Sovereign in Canada and is appointed by the Sovereign on the advice of the Prime Minister, usually for five years.
- The Governor General grants royal assent to bills on behalf of the Sovereign.