Lesson 3 Three Levels of Government CIVIX Three

Lesson 3: Three Levels of Government C-I-V-I-X

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 electedrepresentatives, as well as a unique set of responsibilities totake care of different matters. C-I-V-I-X

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. C-I-V-I-X

Provincial • The elected representative at the provincial level is called a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP). • There are 85 elected MPPs that debate and pass laws in the BC Legislative Assembly in Victoria. • The leader of the government is called the premier. • The Queen is represented by the lieutenant governor C-I-V-I-X

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). C-I-V-I-X

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, policingand protection, community centres and libraries C-I-V-I-X

Final Thoughts • How does government affect your life? • Why is it important to know who is your local elected representative? C-I-V-I-X