Lesson 3 Governments in Canada Governments in Canada

Lesson 3: Governments in Canada

Governments 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. • In order to support the needs of citizens, the Canadian government is structured into a three level system: federal, provincial and local. • 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.

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.

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.

Provincial • The elected representative at the provincial level is called a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). • The legislative body in British Columbia has 85 elected MLAs. • MLAs debate and pass laws at the provincial legislature in Victoria. • The leader of the government is called the premier. • The Queen is represented by the lieutenant governor.

Local • The elected representative at the local level is called a councillor (for municipalities) or municipal director (for regional districts). • The head of the council is called a mayor (municipalities) or chair (regional districts). • The size of the council or board differs, depending on the population.

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