Replies

"Does the PM have to be a member of Parliament?"

The PM is usually an MP -- but, not necessarily so. The Head of State in Canada is actually the Governor General (appointed by the Queen on the recommendation of the PM). Even though the role is largely ceremonial now, it's still there. We had a Liberal PM who was not an MP for a brief period in the late 70s -- he had just won the leadership of his party, but not a seat in Parliament. He had to watch from the viewing gallery. Also -- the appointed Senate is also a part of Parliament. I think there have been a couple of Senator PMs.

"Who gets to vote on who's PM? The members or his or her party, or the entire Parliament?"

It's up to the party to chose the leader. They do that in different ways. Usually at a convention, with delegates from each Riding (constituency), including MPs. Sometimes there is direct voting by members (generally through a mail in ballot or Internet voting). This process is similar to primaries in the U.S. -- except that only a tiny percentage of Canadians are members of any party. I think the voting is more restricted in Britain -- which makes their PM more beholding to his ordinary MPs.

We also have a Speaker in both Houses of Parliament -- elected by the MPs or Senators only. This office has much less power than in the U.S. -- because a more powerful Speaker would clash with the PM.