Canada’s Prime Minister Wields Excessive Power

Abstract

The focus of this paper is to argue in favour of the notion that power is being overly centralized in the hands of the prime minister. The focus of this paper has been narrowed down to analyze three key features; the House of Commons, Members of Parliament, and Cabinet minister. The paper will explain how the Canadian PM holds power over these bodies, and what implications this invested power holds. The paper will also address how certain constraints on the prime minister are not effective in limiting the powers of the prime minister. Therefore, in this paper, I will argue that power has been overly centralized in the hands of the prime minister because of the prime minister’s ability to control sessions of Parliament, the use of excessive party discipline, and the control over Cabinet appointments. I will draw evidence from various academic articles and books, as well as news articles to provide concrete examples to support my argument.