Transcript PowerPoint #3: Three Levels of Government

Lesson 3: Three Levels of
Government
Three Levels of Government
• Canada is a very large country with many different needs and
interests.
• In order to support the needs of citizens, the 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
• 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 Legislature at
Queen’s Park in Toronto.
• The leader of the government is called the premier.
• The Queen is represented by the lieutenant governor.
Municipal
• The elected representative at the municipal level is called a
councillor or alderman.
• The leader of the government is called a mayor or reeve.
• The size of the council differs from city to town.
• Councillors debate and pass legislation in the council
chambers (city hall/municipal office).
Division of Responsibilities
• Federal: National defence, trade, foreign policy, money,
health and safety, immigration and citizenship.
• Provincial: 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.
Government Ministries
• The Government of Ontario is organized into departments
called ministries (e.g., Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care,
Ministry of Education) and each is in charge of one of the
government’s responsibilities.
• The premier appoints MPPs to head each Ministry of the
Executive Council (cabinet).
• Each minister is in charge of one of the provincial
responsibilities and acts as an advisor to the premier and the
legislature in their area of expertise.
Government of Ontario Ministries
These are some of the ministries of the Government of Ontario:
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Aboriginal Affairs
Agriculture and Food
Children and Youth Services
Citizenship and Immigration
Community and Social Services
Community Safety and Correctional Services
Education
Energy
Environment
Finance
Health and Long-Term Care
Infrastructure
Labour
Natural Resources
Training, Colleges and Universities
Transportation
Final Thoughts
• How does government affect your life?
• Which level of government affects your life the most?
• Would you consider working in government?