Elementary PowerPoint 2: Governments in Yukon

Can you name the three levels of government in Canada?

Three Levels of Government Canada is a large country of many people with different needs and interests. There are three levels of government: Federal – manages the country Territorial/Provincial – one government for each territory and province Municipal – one for every community Each government has its own level of representatives and and responsibilities to manage.

Federal The locally elected representative at the federal level is called a Member of Parliament (MP). There are 338 elected MPs, one for each riding or district. MPs debate and pass laws in the House of Commons in Ottawa. The leader of the government is called the prime minister.

Territorial The elected representatives are called Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Yukon. The territorial legislative body is made up of 19 MLAs. MLAs debate and pass laws at the Yukon Legislative Building in Whitehorse. The leader of the government is called the premier.

Municipal The elected representative at the municipal level is called a councillor or council member. The head/chair of the council is called a mayor. Municipal councils debate and pass laws for the community at the local city or town hall. The size and structure of the council differs depending on the population it represents.

Indigenous Governments Indigenous governments overlap or share certain responsibilities with the government of their territory or the federal government. The term self-government refers to a First Nation or Indigenous community with control over its own affairs.

Political Trivia Leaders: Who is the current prime minister? Who is the current premier? Who is the current mayor? Local representatives: Who is our MP? Who is our MLA?

Devolution The Yukon legislature has not always had control over its own regional matters and responsibilities. It has gradually received powers from the federal government – this is known as devolution. As the result of devolution, the Government of Yukon is now responsible for public lands and resource management over water, forestry and mineral resources, among other regional decisions.

Appointed Representatives Canada is a constitutional monarchy, and the Queen is Canada’s head of state. At the federal level, the Queen is represented by the governor general (GG). At the territorial level, the Commissioner of Yukon is appointed by the Government of Canada and is Yukon’s head of state. The commissioner is responsible for swearing in MLAs to the legislature, swearing in members of the cabinet, opening sessions of the legislative assembly and reading the throne speech. No similar role exists at the municipal level.

Who is responsible for what? Name the level of government you think is responsible for the following: International trade Local parks Education Citizenship and immigration Road maintenance

Division of Responsibilities Federal: Global affairs, immigration and citizenship, national defence, currency, public safety, fisheries and oceans, trade Territorial: Education, health and social services, environment, agriculture Municipal: Road maintenance, water and sewer service, recreation and community facilities, fire protection

Discussion Questions How does government affect your life? Which level of government impacts your life the most? Why? Why is it important to know who your local elected representative is?