Mass Media and Parliamentary Elections in Canada

Abstract

Legislative elections in Canada tend to be largely national affairs, with varying regional patterns of response, in a parliamentary system with tight party discipline. The media system features substantial regulation, regional and linguistic divisions, and a distinctive role for a cable TV system with large numbers of subscribers. Free broadcast time is allocated to parties based upon centrally controlled principles, and paid advertisements are permitted within specified limits that tend to work to the advantage of incumbents. The flow of information to voters about party leaders and local candidates varies greatly from place to place, but its effects are yet to be the subject of systematic investigation.