Secondary PowerPoint 2: Governments in Yukon

How many levels of government do we have in Canada? Can you name them?

Three Levels of Government Canada is a large country with different needs and interests. To serve citizens most effectively, there are three levels of government: Federal Territorial/Provincial Municipal Each level has its own structure of elected representatives and appointed officials, and a unique set of responsibilities.

Federal The elected representative at the national level is called a Member of Parliament (MP). There are 338 elected MPs. They make up the legislative body, which creates or enacts laws for the country. 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 replace, 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 Quiz 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?

Three Branches of Government Legislative Branch: Made up of elected representatives (MLAs). Creates and amends laws, rules and regulations under territorial jurisdiction Executive Branch: Consists of the premier and cabinet ministers. Implements and enforces laws, rules and regulations. Judicial Branch: The court system. Responsible for interpreting the law, protecting citizens’ rights, and determining the proper punishment for people who break the law.

Devolution The Yukon legislature has not always had control over its own regional matters and responsibilities but has gradually received powers from the federal government. Devolution is the transfer of powers and responsibilities from the federal government to a territory. 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 As a constitutional monarchy, Canada’s head of state is a hereditary sovereign (queen or king) who reigns in accordance with the Constitution. At the federal level, the sovereign is represented by the governor general (GG), who is appointed by the sovereign on the advice of the prime minister. 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

Final Thoughts Is government important? Why or why not? How does government affect your life? Why is it important to know who your elected representatives are?