Term Limits in Canada 🇨🇦

Let's make our democracy one we're even more proud of. 🍁

The Growing Problem ⚖️

Canada currently lacks term limits for most elected officials at the federal and provincial levels. This glaring omission in our constitution allows for potentially indefinite rule, contradicting the principles of a healthy democracy.

In the past 30 years, 75% of our Prime Ministers have served more than two terms. This concentration of power raises serious concerns about the long-term health of our democracy.

75%

Percentage of PMs serving more than 2 terms in the last 30 years 📅

Hypocrisy 🤔

Canada has criticized these countries for their stance on term limits, while not having any itself. This contradiction highlights the need for Canada to address its own lack of term limits.

Belarus 🇧🇾

2004

Canada condemned Alexander Lukashenko's referendum to eliminate presidential term limits, later implementing sanctions.

Burundi 🇧🇮

2015

Canada criticized President Pierre Nkurunziza's decision to seek a third term despite constitutional limits, reducing aid and cooperation.

Uganda 🇺🇬

2017

Canada criticized the removal of presidential age limits, which effectively eliminated term limits for President Museveni, as part of broader criticism about democratic institutions.

Côte d'Ivoire 🇨🇮

2020

Canada expressed concerns when President Alassane Ouattara ran for a controversial third term, with Foreign Affairs Minister François-Philippe Champagne issuing statements about democratic backsliding.

Democracy 101 📚

Long-Term Leadership 🕰️

Canada is not a dictatorship. Our democratic system needs to be resilient enough for the next 1000 years to make extended rule impossible. Term limits help ensure this resilience and prevent the concentration of power.

Benefits of Term Limits 🔄

  • Prevents power entrenchment
  • Encourages fresh ideas and perspectives
  • Reduces potential for corruption
  • Ensures regular leadership transitions

Global Standard 🌎

The majority of established democracies worldwide have implemented term limits. This global trend reflects a commitment to preventing long-term power consolidation and ensuring regular democratic renewal.

How We Can Make This Change 🏛️

Implementing term limits in Canada would require a constitutional amendment. This process involves:

🏛️ Federal Approval

  • Approval from the House of Commons
  • Approval from the Senate

🍁 Provincial Support

  • Approval from at least 7 provinces
  • Representing at least 50% of Canada's population
  • Provincial legislatures pass resolutions

A Non-Partisan Issue 🤝🇨🇦

Term limits are about strengthening our democracy, not favoring any political party. It's an issue that all Canadians, regardless of their political leanings, should support for the long-term health of our nation.

While challenging, Canada has achieved 27 constitutional amendments in our lifetime. The most recent was in 2001. 📜

Get Involved 🗳️

Want to make your voice heard on the issue of term limits in Canada?
Reach out to your federal representative and share your thoughts.
Let's make this a major topic in the next election!