Prime minister of Canada

Prime minister of Canada, highest-ranking elected official of Canada and leader of the government. The prime minister is traditionally the leader of the majority party in the Canadian House of Commons and is responsible for directing the affairs of the government and the nation's foreign and domestic policies. A prime minister must have the support of a majority of the House to remain in office and if the House passes a vote of no confidence, he or she must resign or call a new election. Since independence in 1867, 18 men have held the office.