Definition of Prorogue Parliament

What does the term "prorogue parliament" mean? What is the definition of the term "prorogation of Parliament"?

The "prorogation of Parliament" occurs when the current session of Parliament (in Canada, for instance) is terminated.

With the prorogation of Parliament, nearly all business is terminated. Members of Parliament are released from their duties, and all outstanding bills that have not received Royal Assent are terminated.

The Governor General, at the behest of the Prime Minister, can choose to prorogue Parliament in the Senate, or the Parliament can be prorogued by Proclamation.

The workings of the Parliament are essentially put on hold during the Prorogation of Parliament.

In modern times, prorogation of Parliament usually occurs when a Prime Minister is at risk of losing power due to a vote of no confidence. If they believe that they are about to be toppled and an election will be called, a Prime Minister might choose to prorogue Parliament in an attempt to buy some time.

An unpopular Prime Minister might also choose to prorogue Parliament and then step down, in order for their party to conduct a leadership race for a new candidate.

Committees can not sit during a prorogued parliament and all unfinished business dies. Essentially, all of the business of a Parliament comes to a screeching halt, and it is usually the result of an unpopular Prime Minister attempting to cling to power.

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