The Political Party in Canada

By William P. Cross, Rob Currie-Wood, Scott Pruysers

A comprehensive exploration of Canadian political party composition and organization.

Political parties exist at the center of democratic politics, but where does power lie within them, and how is it exercised? The Political Party in Canada explores the inner workings of these complex organizations, disaggregating the composition and roles of party members and activists, candidates, local associations, donors, and central officials. Drawing on a rich trove of data from the 2015 and 2019 federal elections, this book offers a comprehensive examination of the composition, functions, activities, and power-sharing relationships that characterize Canadian parties. Basing its astute investigation on the themes of complexity, representation, and personalization, The Political Party in Canada opens a window on a fundamental institution that makes modern democracy possible.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0774868244
• ISBN13: 9780774868242
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: University of British Columbia Press
• Length: 328 Pages
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.0" x 9.0"