2d ago

Mark Carney, who holds no seat, is being sworn in as Canada's 24th Prime Minister—By constitutional convention, a prime minister holds a seat in parliament… This is a dangerous precedent for the PMO.

en.wikipedia.org List of prime ministers of Canada - Wikipedia

While constitutional conventions "are not enforced by the law courts", this pretty much allows any unelected official to hold the role of Prime Minister.

We need to respect the law, including constitutional conventions.

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this is not the first time this has happened. John Turner was also appointed PM (after Pierre Trudeau stepped down) while not being an MP or senator. He also dissolved parliament 9 days after being sworn in, which is what Carney is likely to do too, I believe.
not saying it right or wrong, just that it's happened before.
- not saying it right or wrong, just that it’s happened before.
  Thanks for this piece of information. It's still a dangerous precedent that is being set.
  
  precedent
  I mean the earlier example says that this isn't the precedent.
  
  It happened before.
  It is actually quite common in the British Westminster tradition we follow.
  The earliest being William Pitt the Younger in 1783 who became prime minister at just 24 years old before securing a seat in Parliament. He won a by-election soon after assuming office.
  
  Edit: the commenter changed their comment, so my response might not make sense
  I hope you aren't suggesting we should infringe upon constitutional conventions, to limit any particular political party from coming into power...
  I don't think that is healthy for the rule of law
  
  I merely added an example that showed that convention exists longer than your original post implies.

13 comments