Prerogative Powers

Prerogative Powers

Prerogative powers are defined as "the residue of discretionary or arbitrary authority which at any given time is legally left in the hands of the Crown." Originating in common law from practices developed through centuries, the sovereign delegates them to the Governor General on advice from the federal Cabinet, and to the lieutenant-governors through the governor-in-council. They include appointment and dismissal of the prime minister, and the summoning, proroguing and dissolving of Parliament in accordance with ministerial advice, parliamentary practice and constitutional remedies for unusual emergencies, such as electoral deadlock or a premier's death.