In today's complex world, the lack of clear boundaries between domestic and foreign policy regularly pushes Canadian parliamentarians to take action on the international stage. More and more of them are engaged in direct exchanges with their foreign counterparts on issues of national and global importance. In Canada, diplomatic engagement has long been an integral part of our parliamentarians' activities, and is generally aimed at the following three objectives: exchanging ideas and best prac...| HillNotes
This HillStudy consists of a series of questions and answers intended to provide a better understanding of economic statistics and federal government finances.| HillNotes
One of Parliament’s fundamental roles is to review and approve the government’s taxation and spending plans. To fulfill this role, parliamentarians follow the parliamentary financial cycle, which consists of a continuous loop of activities that take place throughout the calendar year. Because the federal government’s fiscal year begins on 1 April and ends on 31 March, activities that take place during a single calendar year may relate to different fiscal years.| HillNotes
Officers of Parliament support both houses in their accountability and scrutiny functions by carrying out independent oversight responsibilities assigned to them by statute. These officers are responsible directly to Parliament rather than to the government or a federal minister. While no statutory definition exists of what constitutes officers of Parliament, they should not be confused with officials who assist Parliament in procedural and administrative matters.| HillNotes
A general election is followed by the opening of a new session of the Parliament of Canada, marking the beginning of a new parliamentary cycle. The opening involves a series of parliamentary ceremonies and procedures that precede and follow the Speech from the Throne. The opening of a Parliament typically lasts two days, as it did, for example, with the 42nd Parliament in 2015, although it can take place over the course of a single day, as it did with the opening of the 43rd Parliament in 201...| HillNotes
Canada’s founding document, the Constitution Act, 1867, established the country as a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. Executive authority resides with the Sovereign or that person’s representative (i.e., the Governor General of Canada). The Constitution assigns the Governor General a wide range of powers. However, as a constitutional monarchy, these powers are generally only exercised on the advice of Canada’s prime minister and the federal Cabinet.| HillNotes
