Provincial and Federal Government Plus the Branches of Government

Like the federal government, the government in each of Canada’s 10 provinces is a parliamentary system The provincial premier is the leader of the political party that holds the most seats in the provincial legislature

Types of Jurisdictions Exclusive provincial jurisdiction: refers to areas in which only the provinces are allowed to pass laws, while the federal government cannot enacting legislation in these areas. Exclusive federal jurisdiction: includes areas in which only the federal government may pass laws, thereby prohibiting the provinces from enacting legislation in these areas. Joint powers/jurisdictions: refer to areas in which both the provinces and the federal government may pass laws.

There is one key difference between the federal and provincial parliamentary system. The federal Parliament is a bicameral legislature, meaning there are two legislative bodies: the House of Commons and the Senate. In order for federal legislation to be enacted, it must be passed by a majority in each body. Provincial legislative branches, by contrast, are unicameral as there is only one legislative body (referred to as the legislative assembly, national assembly, or house of assembly).

Sir John A. Macdonald Sir John A. Macdonald was one of the Father’s of Confederation and Canada’s first prime minister. He believed in a strong central government and would have preferred to give the provinces little or no power. Other powerful leaders argued that strong provinces were necessary to preserve local culture and tradition. The eventual compromise on a federal structure was necessary to achieve Confederation.

Question Do you agree or disagree with Sir John A. Macdonald that a strong central government is important? Explain your reasoning.

Premier of Ontario Dalton McGuinty Part of the Liberal Party

Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper Part of the Conservative Party

A day in the life of Mr. Harper… 8:00- spend an hour discussing national issues at a breakfast meeting with advisors 9:00- review the days schedule with the chief of staff and executive assistant 9:15- meet with the Clerk of the Privy Council (Canada’s top public servant) to review the agenda for the morning cabinet meeting 9:45- lead a weekly meeting of the Cabinet Committee on priorities and planning. If the issues are controversial, a debate can continue through the lunch hour.

Continued... 13:00- meet with press secretary, who presents a brief on issues likely to be raised during the day’s press interview 13:25- before entering House of Commons, meet with policy advisors to discuss issues and events likely to be raised 14:15- respond to questions from opposition parties in the House of Commons. Explain the government’s stand on the issue raised

Continued… 15:30- meet with a journalist preparing an article on an upcoming meeting with world leaders 16:30- meet with cabinet ministers and gov’t officials to discuss plans for a conference with provincial premiers 17:30- attend a reception for a group of business and labour leaders, make a short speech, and return to office

We’re not done yet… 18:15- review documents and letters before going home for the evening. After supper, spend some time on family or personal matters 21:00- spend two hours reading documents before going to bed.

How are our Federal and Provincial Governments organized? Organized into three (3) branches with each branch having its own set powers These branches have their roots in our constitution, our traditions, and our laws

Executive Branch Carries out the plans and policies of the government Power to suggest laws Power to enforce, administer, or carry out laws Federal level: made up of the prime minister, the cabinet, and the public service. Provincial level: made up of the premier, the cabinet, and the provincial public service.

Legislative Branch Power to make or change laws Also known as “parliament” At the provincial level, the parliament is usually called the legislature or the legislative assembly. Only Ontario refers to its provincial representatives as “MPP” (Member of Provincial Parliament). Most other provinces use the term “MLA” (Member of the Legislative Assembly)

Judicial Branch Part of government that deals with the law. In Canada, this branch is separate from the other two branches, ensuring that Parliament and its members are not above the law. The power to interpret laws and the power to punish law breakers. Made up of the courts and judges. They determine if people charged with crimes are guilty or innocent and decide on punishments for those found guilty.