Federal Seat Distribution

The distribution of seats in the House of Commons by province is determined by a formula outlined in the Constitution Act, 1867, and adjusted through special clauses like the Senatorial Clause and the Grandfather Clause. As of the latest redistribution, the allocation is as follows:

Province/Territory	Population Estimate	Initial Seat Allocation	Adjustments	Total Seats
British Columbia	5,214,805	43	-	43
Alberta	4,442,879	37	-	37
Saskatchewan	1,179,844	10	+4	14
Manitoba	1,383,765	12	+2	14
Ontario	14,826,276	122	-	122
Quebec	8,604,495	71	+7	78
New Brunswick	789,225	7	+3	10
Nova Scotia	992,055	9	+2	11
Prince Edward Island	164,318	2	+2	4
Newfoundland and Labrador	520,553	5	+2	7
Yukon	42,986	-	+1	1
Northwest Territories	45,504	-	+1	1
Nunavut	39,403	-	+1	1
Total	38,246,108	-	-	343

Key Points:

• Electoral Quotient: The number of seats initially allocated to each province is calculated by dividing its population by the electoral quotient, which is adjusted based on population growth rates12.

• Special Clauses:

  • Senatorial Clause: Ensures a province has no fewer seats in the House of Commons than it has in the Senate25.

  • Grandfather Clause: Ensures a province has no fewer seats than it had in the previous parliament25.

  • Representation Rule: Applies to provinces that were overrepresented and ensures their seat share remains proportional to their population share25.

• Territorial Seats: Each territory (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut) receives one seat25.

Citations:

1. https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=res&dir=cir%2Fred%2Fallo&document=index&lang=e
2. https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=res&dir=cir%2Fred%2Fform&document=index&lang=e
3. https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en/party-standings
4. https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=res&dir=cir&document=index&lang=e
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electoral_district_(Canada)
6. https://www.ourcommons.ca/procedure/procedure-and-practice-3/ch_04_1-e.html
7. https://lop.parl.ca/sites/ParlInfo/default/en_CA/Parties/partyStandings
8. https://www.ctvnews.ca/montreal/article/heres-how-quebecs-78-seats-went-on-2025-election-day/

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