Transcript Slide 1
Government What is Government? • The people and institutions put in place to run or govern a country, state, province or community. • The role of government is to make decisions and regulations (laws) for the people for whom it is responsible. Canada’s Government • Canada is a federal state, parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. • A federal state brings together a number of different communities with a central government (federal) for general purposes and separate local governments (provincial/territorial) for local purposes. • As a parliamentary democracy, we elect members to our parliament and legislatures. The political party with the most representatives gains control of the legislature or parliament. • 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 many different needs and interests. • In order to support its citizens most effectively, government is structured into three levels: 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). • The federal legislative body has 308 elected MPs. • MPs debate and pass laws in the House of Commons in Ottawa (Parliament Hill). • The leader of the government is called the prime minister. • The Queen is represented by the governor general. Provincial/Territorial • 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/Local • The elected representative at the municipal level is called a councillor or alderman. • The leader of the government 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 hall/municipal office). Section 91-95, Constitution • In choosing a federal form of government, the Fathers of Confederation assigned responsibilities to the different levels of government (Sections 91–95, Constitution Act). • The division of powers is based on the principle of subsidiarity, in which the government closest to the issue governs it. • Municipal governments receive their powers from the provinces. Division of Responsibilities • Federal: National defence, trade, foreign policy, finance, health and safety, immigration and citizenship. • Provincial/Territorial: Health care, education, welfare, transportation, justice, energy and the environment. • Municipal: Waste management, water and sewer, policing and protection, cultural facilities and libraries. Discussion Questions • How does government affect your life? • Why is it important to know who is your elected representative?