Leader of the Official Opposition (Canada)
Her Majesty's official opposition in Canada is usually the largest political party or coalition which is not a member of the government. This is usually the second-largest party in a legislative house, although in certain unusual circumstances it may be a third or fourth party.
The current official opposition is the Conservative Party of Canada.
They are viewed as the party tasked with keeping the government in check. They are also generally viewed as the alternative government. The Official Opposition maintains a shadow cabinet of MPs that often have the same portfolios as actual ministers.
There are some official benefits to being official oppostion. It is the party that gets to speak first after the government, and gets more time in question period than any other party. It also gets more funding for research and staff than other parties.
From 1921 to 1924 the Progressive Party of Canada had more MPs than the Conservatives, but they turned down the chance of being official opposition and the position passed to the Tories.
In 1993 the Reform Party challenged whether the separatist Bloc Quebecois could hold the position of official opposition. The Speaker ruled in favour of the Bloc, however.
The leader of the Opposition party is called the "Leader of the Opposition" and may live in Stornoway, the leader's official residence in Ottawa.
Below is a list of leaders of Her Majesty's official opposition in Canada.