Canadian Prime Ministers | Responsibilities of the Deputy Prime Minister of Canada

Responsibilities of the Deputy Prime Minister of Canada

The position of deputy prime minister of canada is a multi-faceted role, and is an honorary title as it pertains to the political cabinet. The canadian prime minister decides who will be the deputy prime minister, and can choose anyone that meets the requirements of holding office in canada (at least 18 years of age, and a canadian citizen).

This position holds no power when it comes to canadian law, but the deputy prime minister is given certain executive, decision making, and political tasks as decided by the prime minister. This is a varying role as the current prime minister may or may not choose to even have a deputy prime minister.

Since 1977, when the position of deputy prime minister was created by former canadian prime minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau, there has only been one canadian prime minister to deny the use of a deputy prime minister. The current prime minister, Stephen Harper, does not currently have a deputy, but has designated other positions to fill the needs of this position.

Becoming the deputy prime minister does not mean that that person will automatically become the prime minister upon the resignation or death of the prime minister. This process is determined through a combination of decisions made by the governor general, the cabinet, and the rest of the governing party. They may choose to place the deputy prime minister directly in the position, or choose from other members of the current leading political party.

Though the deputy prime minister is not a position that holds authority in canadian law, the title is an impressive item to hold on one’s resume, and can serve as a stepping stone to other positions of power in the political cabinet. The governing party and the canadian prime minister unanimously decide on the chain of command for the political positions, and the deputy prime minister of canada can be given as little, or as much power as seen fit by the governing forces.

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Tagged With authority of deputy prime minister, canadian cabinet, canadian prime minister, deputy prime minister, deputy prime minister of canada, member of parliament, pierre elliot trudeau, Stephen Harper

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