Political Dictionary
For all those words you hear and think to yourself ' What the heck does that mean?' we've got you covered!
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Backbencher
A backbencher in Canada is a Canadian member of Parliament or member of a provincial legislative assembly who is not a party leader, cabinet minister or opposition critic.
Caucus
A caucus is a group of members of Parliament or of a legislative assembly belonging to the same political party. The term caucus is often used for regional subgroups of the larger caucus. Caucus may also refer to meetings of these groups of legislators.
Chamber
The hall or assembly room in which the House of Commons or the Senate meets to conduct its business.
Constituency, Riding, Electoral district
Any place or territorial area entitled to return a member to represent it in the House of Commons. During debate, members are identified not by their own names but by the name of their electoral district.
Embargo
A restriction on the distribution or publication of a document or the information it contains, until the time stipulated for its release. An embargo is often placed on documents given a limited distribution prior to their tabling in the House and on notices of motion prior to the release of the Notice Paper in which they appear.
Filibuster
An obstructive tactic consisting of the use of either numerous or excessively long speeches to delay the business of the House or of a committee. The use of this latter tactic is now severely limited by the rules of the House relating to the length of speeches.
Front benches
The first few rows of seats in the House which, on the government side, are occupied by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet and, on the opposition side, by the leaders of the recognized opposition parties and their principal spokespersons.
Galleries
Balconies in the interior of the House set aside for the public, the press and distinguished visitors who wish to attend a sitting.
Government
The sovereign political authority of a State, in which are vested the executive, legislative and judicial powers. In Canada, this authority is of Her Majesty the Queen.
House Leader
The member of a party responsible for its management in the House. The Government House Leader determines a schedule of House business through consultation with the House Leaders of the other recognized parties
