Majority, minority and the Official Opposition
No recorded challenge is not proof of accuracy. A challenge under review is not a finding that the record is false.
A majority government’s party holds more than half the seats in the House of Commons; a minority government’s party does not. In either case, the government must maintain the confidence of the House.
Scope & context
Independent citizenship-study support. Read the cited official sources; this is not an official question bank or a guarantee of a test result.
More context
The Governor General appoints the prime minister in accordance with constitutional conventions, normally choosing the leader best placed to command House confidence. Having the most seats is not the same as receiving a majority of all votes cast nationally.
The largest opposition party in the House forms the Official Opposition. Opposition MPs scrutinize government and challenge or seek changes to its proposals. Cabinet ministers administer departments and develop policy and legislation. The House can withdraw confidence; the constitutional response can involve a resignation, another government or an election, depending on the circumstances.
Sources behind this record
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Federal Elections; sections and tables identified in the research record
Office of the Secretary to the Governor General
Head of State/head of government; constitutional duties