Transcript Slide 1

Lesson 3: Three Levels of
Government
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
representatives, as well as a unique set of responsibilities to
take care of different matters.
Federal
• The elected representative at the federal level is called a
Member of Parliament (MP).
• There are 308 elected MPs who 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 Provincial Parliament (MPP).
• There are 107 elected MPPs that 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
council member (councillor or alderman).
• The head of the council 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 or town hall/municipal office).
Division of Government
Responsibilities
• Federal: Armed forces, trade with other countries, money,
health and safety, immigration and citizenship.
• Provincial: Health care, education, welfare, transportation
within the province, energy and the environment.
• Municipal: Waste management, water and sewer, policing
and protection, community centres and libraries.
Final Thoughts
• How does government affect your life?
• Why is it important to know who is your local elected
representative?