Parties in Parliament

In Canadian politics, most Members of Parliament (MPs) belong to a political party. While there are sometimes independent MPs, often because someone leaves their party during a term, it is rare for a candidate to be elected as an independent.

Political parties receive significant advantages in Parliament. Independent MPs have fewer opportunities to speak and participate. In contrast, parties with official party status are guaranteed access to committees and receive funding for policy research.

Types of Parties in Parliament

There are many federal political parties in Canada, but their status depends on the number of seats they hold in Parliament.

  • The party with the most seats in the House of Commons usually forms the government1 and becomes the governing party. The leader of that party becomes the Prime Minister.
  • The party with the second-highest number of seats in the House of Commons becomes the Official Opposition2. The Official Opposition is given priority during debates and Question Period and receives public funding for policy research. Its leader receives special privileges, including an official residence in Ottawa and a salary equivalent to that of a cabinet minister.
  • Other parties may also qualify for official party status3, also called recognized party status, if they hold at least 12 seats in the House of Commons or 9 seats in the Senate. This status grants them more speaking time in Parliament, access to committees, and financial support for research.

These three categories, governing party, Official Opposition, and official parties, come with specific privileges inside Parliament.

Another category is represented parties, any party that holds at least one seat in the House of Commons.

Represented parties as of May 2025

After the 2025 federal election, 5 parties hold seats in the House of Commons4. In this guide, when we provide links to party websites in the “Action” section, we include only those with seats in the House of Commons, that is, representing parties

List of Represented parties won seats in 2025 Federal Election

Party Number of Seats Won in 2025 Federal Election
Liberal Party of Canada 169
Conservative Party of Canada 144
Bloc Québécois 22
New Democratic Party 7
Green Party of Canada 1

Registered Parties

Outside of Parliament, another important category is that of a registered party5. Registered parties can form riding associations, accept political contributions, and issue tax receipts to donors.

Candidates running under a registered party banner can use money raised by their party or local riding association6, as well as funds transferred from other associations7.

Given that contribution limits for parties and riding associations are calculated annually8, not per election, this difference has a significant impact on fundraising.

To become a registered party, an organization must meet specific eligibility criteria and complete the formal registration process9.

Election Debates

During election periods, some parties are invited to participate in televised leaders’ debates. The criteria for participation are set by an independent commission10 and are separate from parliamentary or registration status.

Official Party Status and Donations

In the 2025 federal election, the NDP lost its official party status. However, this change only affects their privileges in Parliament. Their status as a registered party remains unchanged.

This means you can still donate to the NDP or its riding associations. Since federal political contribution tax credits apply to donations to registered parties11, you may receive the same tax credits for your contribution. The same applies to the Green Party, which has never held official party status.

Key Takeaways from This Topic

What are the advantages of official party status in Parliament?

Political parties in Parliament receive more speaking time, guaranteed committee access, and funding for policy research, benefits not available to independent MPs.

What is official party status?

Official party status is granted to parties with at least 12 seats in the House of Commons or 9 in the Senate. It gives them more speaking time, committee access, and financial support.

What is the difference between the governing party and the Official Opposition?

The governing party has the most seats and forms the government, with its leader becoming Prime Minister. The Official Opposition usually has the second-most seats and gets priority in debates and Question Period, plus funding and special privileges.

How many parties are represented in Parliament as of 2025?

As of the 2025 federal election, five parties hold seats in the House of Commons. These are known as represented parties.

What is a registered party in Canada?

A registered party is officially recognized by Elections Canada. It can raise funds, issue tax receipts, and support candidates in elections.

Can registered parties receive donations even without seats in Parliament?

Yes. Registered parties like the NDP and Green Party can accept donations and issue tax receipts, regardless of their parliamentary status.

Are all registered parties included in televised leaders’ debates?

No. Debate participation is determined by an independent commission using its own criteria, separate from a party's parliamentary or registration status.

Do contribution limits apply per election or per year?

For donations to political parties and their riding associations, contribution limits apply annually. However, limits for donations to independent candidates apply per election.

What happened to the NDP’s status after the 2025 election?

The NDP lost its official party status in Parliament, but it remains a registered party. This means it can still raise funds and issue tax receipts.

Why is it important for a party to be officially registered?

Only registered parties can accept political contributions, form riding associations, and issue tax receipts to donors. Registration also allows them to support candidates financially.

References

  1. Government, The Canadian Encyclopedia ↩

  2. Opposition Party in Canada, The Canadian Encyclopedia ↩

  3. bp-243e political parties and parliamentary recognition, Government of Canada ↩

  4. Party Standings in the House of Commons, House of Commons ↩

  5. Regulated political entities, Elections Canada ↩

  6. Frequently asked questions, Elections Canada ↩

  7. Political Financing Handbook for Electoral District Associations and Financial Agents (EC 20089) – January 2025, Elections Canada ↩

  8. Contribution Types, Elections Canada ↩

  9. Checklist for Political Party Registration, Elections Canada ↩

  10. 2025 Participation Criteria, Leaders’ Debates Commission ↩

  11. Line 41000 – Federal political contribution tax credit, Government of Canada ↩

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