Nomination and Local Party Organization in Canada: a Case Study

Abstract

N CANADA, as in most other parliamentary democracies, the nomination of parliamentary candidates is the most important single function entrusted to the local (i.e., constituency) party association. The bestowal of nomination carries significance from the standpoint of democratic society, which is in need of an agency to narrow down election day choice; from the standpoint of the national party, which is only as strong as the candidates who are nominated and elected; and from the standpoint of the competing aspirants, the successful one of whom becomes the personal embodiment of the symbolism conveyed by the party label. If little is known about the workings of the nomination process in Canada, or if many local associations appear to pay little attention to the procedures which are followed, it is due in large part to the effectiveness of the natural selectors, particularly the economic realities of running for, and accepting a seat in, Parliament.' Rather than there being competition for the nomination, the onus has often been upon the party leadership to find persons willing to stand for election. Also serving to reduce the relevance of formal nomination procedures have been the long periods of party tenure, combined with the practice of rather automatic renomination of incumbent M.P.'s.