Transcript Slide 1
REP DAY 2014
Government in Canada
Government in Canada
• Canada is a federal state, parliamentary democracy and
constitutional monarchy.
• A federal state brings 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.
Three Levels of Government
• Canada is a very large country with lots of people and
different needs and interests.
• To operate most effectively, 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.
Federal
• The elected representative at the federal level is called a
member of parliament (MP).
• Currently, there are 308 elected MPs across Canada. There
will be 338 MPs after the next election.
• 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.
Provincial
• The elected representative at the provincial level is called a
member of the legislative assembly (MLA), member of
provincial parliament (MPP - Ontario), member of the house
of assembly (MHA – Newfoundland and Labrador), or
member of the national assembly (MNA - Quebec),
depending on where you live in Canada.
• Elected representatives debate and pass laws at the
legislative assembly.
• The leader of the government is called the premier.
• The Queen is represented by the lieutenant governor at the
provincial level.
Municipal
• The elected representative at the municipal level is called
a councillor.
• The head of council is called a mayor, reeve or warden.
• 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).
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.
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.
Final Thoughts
• Is government important? Why or why not?
• Which level of government impacts your life the
most?
• Why is it important to know who is your local elected
representative?