Lesson 3: Governments in Canada

1. Lesson 3: Governments in Canada

2. Governments in Canada • Canada is a federal state, parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. • A federal statebrings together a number of different political communities with a central government (federal) for general purposes and separate local governments (provincial) for local purposes. • As a parliamentary democracy, we elect members to our parliament and legislatures across the country. • As a constitutional monarchy, Canada’s head of state is a hereditary sovereign (queen or king), who reigns in accordance with the Constitution.

3. Three Levels of Government • Canada is a very large country with lots of people and different needs and interests. • In order to support the needs of citizens, the Canadian government is structured into a three level system: federal, provincial and municipal. • Each level has its own arrangement of elected and appointed officials, as well as a unique set of responsibilities to take care of different matters.

4. Three Branches of Government in Canada • Legislative Branch: These elected representatives debate, create, and amend laws and regulations. • Executive Branch:The Queen (represented by the GG and LGs) and cabinet ministers (appointed elected representatives by the premier) are responsible for government operations, and implementing and enforcing laws and regulations. • Judicial Branch:This is the court system in Canada, responsible for interpreting the law, protecting citizens’ rights, and determining the proper punishment for people who break the law.

5. Federal • The elected representative at the federal level is called a Member of Parliament(MP). • There are 308 elected MPs. This is the federal legislative body. (Legislate means to make or enact laws.) • They debate and pass laws in the House of Commons in Ottawa. • The leader of the government is called the prime minister. • The Queen is represented by the governor general.

6. Provincial • The elected representative at the provincial level is called a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP). • The legislative body in Ontario has 107 elected MPPs. • MPPs debate and pass laws in the Ontario Legislatureat Queen’s Park in Toronto. • The leader of the government is called the premier. • The Queen is represented by the lieutenant governor.

7. Municipal • The elected representative at the municipal level is called a council member (councilloror alderman). • The head of the council is called a mayoror reeve. • The size of the council differs from city to town. • Councillors debate and pass legislation in the council chambers(city or town hall/municipal office).

8. Section 91-95, Constitution • When they chose a federal form of government, the Canadian Fathers of Confederation assigned particular responsibilities to the different levels of government (Sections 91–95, Constitution Act). • This division of powers is based on the idea of subsidiarity, meaning, the government that is closest to the issue governs it. • Municipal governments receive their powers from the provinces.

9. Division of Responsibilities • Federal: National defence, trade, foreign policy, money, health and safety, immigration and citizenship. • Provincial/Territorial: Health care, education, welfare, transportation within the province, justice, energy and the environment. • Municipal: Waste management, water and sewer, policing and protection, cultural facilities and libraries.

10. Final Thoughts • How does government affect your life? • Why is it important to know who is your elected representative?