Slide Deck 4 Levels of Government How does

Slide Deck 4: Levels of Government

How does government affect me? How do the different levels of government in Canada impact me personally?

What kind of government do we have in Canada? Canada is a federal state, parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. Federal state – This means we have a central government (federal) and local governments (provincial/territorial) Parliamentary democracy – We elect members to represent us in our federal parliament and provincial legislatures, and the political party with the most elected representatives forms government. Constitutional monarchy - Queen Elizabeth II, as Queen of Canada, is our head of state. The authority of the monarch is limited by our constitution.

Levels of Government in Canada There are several levels of government in Canada and each has its own group of elected representatives. • • Federal government Provincial/territorial governments Municipal governments First Nations, Métis, and Inuit governments

Federal vs. Provincial Title given to the elected member Member of Parliament (MP) Member of the Legislative Assembly Member of Provincial Parliament (ON) Member of the National Assembly (QC) Member of the House of Assembly (NL) Number of elected members 338 Varies (19 to 124) Title of the head of government prime minister premier Name of the legislative body House of Commons Legislative Assembly National Assembly (QC) House of Assembly (NL) The monarch’s representative governor general lieutenant governor, commissioner

Municipal Governments • The elected representative at the municipal level is often called a councillor • Councils can be different in size and structure • The head of the council is called a mayor or reeve. They are elected by all citizens living in the municipality • Municipal councils meet at the city or town hall

Municipal/Local First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments • The elected representative at the municipal level is usually called First a councillor. • Some Nations, Inuit and Métis communities • have Municipal debate and pass laws at the local or city theircouncils own systems of governance. town hall. • The head of the council is called a mayor or reeve. • • These councils or governments The size and structure of the councilshare differs, certain responsibilities with the provincial/territorial depending on the population. or federal government.

What are the areas of responsibility of each level of government?

Some Government Responsibilities Federal • Immigration and citizenship • Defence • Currency • Fisheries and oceans Provincial • Education • Health care • Social welfare • Transportation and highways Municipal • Water and sewer service • Recreation • Libraries • Police and fire services

Shared Responsibilities There also policy areas where the levels of government share responsibility. For example: • Federal Government = Enforces the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. • Provincial Government = Regulates land use, mining, manufacturing and harmful emissions. • Municipal Governments = Responsible for zoning, garbage disposal, and sewage and water treatment.