An overview of the different groups is below:

·         Members join the party because they are attracted to our message, policies and principles.  As a group they have the ability to direct all aspects of party affairs.

·         Provincial Divisions (PDs) and Electoral District Associations (EDAs) are formed by members who want to help build the party in a given region.

·         Candidates can be nominated by EDAs (or appointed when no EDA exists) and represent the party in a given riding during federal elections.

·         The Leader is elected by members for a two-year term at a General Meeting and represents the party at the national level.

·         Deputy Leaders and recommended by the Leader, typically on a regional basis, and stand in for the Leader when the Leader is not available.  Deputy Leader recommendations are approved by council.

·         Shadow Cabinet assists the Leader and members can be selected at a General Meeting.  In practice recommendations for new members have been made and approved by the existing Shadow Cabinet.

·         General Meetings are held every two years.  When the membership is in a General Meeting they are the highest authority of the party.

·         Ombuds and Appeals Committee members are chosen by election by the membership during regular GPC elections.  When disputes arise within the party and other avenues for resolution have been exhausted, members can request that the committee review both sides and make recommendations as to how the dispute can be resolved.

·         Federal Council is comprised of around 25 councillors (including the leader positions, functionary positions and provincial and territorial representatives).  Councillors are elected by members for two-year terms at a General Meeting.

·         The Campaign Team is appointed by council and directs the party's day-to-day operations during a federal election.

·         The GPC Fund is an incorporated body that was created to provide legal protection for our Chief Agent.  Councillors are automatically members of the fund and council has complete control over its activities.

·         Committees are created by council on an as-needed basis and are accountable to council.

·         The Executive Director (ED) is the party's top-level staff person and is the link between volunteer councillors and paid or volunteer staff.  The ED directs the party's day-to-day operations and is accountable to council.

·         Staff Teams (e.g. message, organizing, admin, etc) are hired, managed and coordinated by the Executive Director.  In some cases volunteers may join staff teams.

·         Policy Teams such as the Policy Assembly are created by members interested in developing policy for the party.  Policy motions may be presented by these teams or by members for approval at a General Meeting.