Legislative Branch of Canadian Government

Structure of Canadian Government

Senate of Canada (Upper House)

Role of Senate 1. Debate and vote on the passage of bills and the government’s yearly budget. 2. Bills can originate in the House or the Senate. 3. Conduct investigations into big issues in Canada. 4. Rarely defeats a bill outright, but can delay a bill, which may cause it to die.

Why do we have a Senate? 1. Our system is based on the British parliamentary system where they have a “House of Lords” 2. When Canada was created, Senators were people who owned land and wealth and were there to provide a “sober second thought” on legislations proposed by our elected MPs. 3. Senate seats are supposed to give some regional voice as they are given by region rather than population.

Distribution of Senate Seats

How do I become a Senator? 1. There has to be a vacant seat in my region. 2. Between 30 and 75 years old. 3. Appointed by the GG on the advice of the Prime Minister, often for patronage (rewarding party members)

Patronage Patronage is the support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows to another. In the history of art, arts patronage refers to the support that kings, popes and the wealthy have provided to artists such as musicians, painters, and sculptors. It is popular in politics as a means of rewarding loyal party supporters

How long do I remain in the Senate? Until I turn 75, retire or die. Lose seat if: - you don’t attend for two parliamentary sessions - found guilty of treason, indictable offence, “infamous crime” 3 Senators currently under unpaid suspension: Mike Duffy, Pamela Wallin, Patrick Brazeau

Duffy and Wallin

Patrick Brazeau – charity boxing Justin Trudeau

Current standings in the Senate Conservative Party 57 Liberal Party* 32 Progressive Conservative Independent 6 Vacant seats 9 TOTAL 105 *Liberal party members but not in Liberal caucus

Should the Senate be reformed, retained or removed entirely? 1. Conservative reform suggestion: - Empty senate seats filled by elections in provinces - Term limits - Asking Supreme Court for advice on constitutionality of these reforms. Liberal reform Jan 2014 Trudeau removed all Liberal Senators from caucus to make Senate less partisan. NDP position – abolition (get rid of Senate) 4. Green position – elected by proportional representation.

The House of Commons (lower house)

Representation by Population

Seats from 2011 election

Who’s who and what’s what in the House of Commons? The Speaker of the House The presiding officer of the legislature His/her role is to moderate debate and ensure that procedures are followed

Who’s who and what’s what in the House of Commons? The Sergeant at Arms Keeps order during meetings of the legislature. Responsible for security. Carries the Mace at the beginning of parliamentary proceedings

Who’s who and what’s what in the House of Commons? Backbenchers MPs who don’t hold a government office (cabinet position) and is not a spokesperson in the opposition.

Who’s who and what’s what in the House of Commons? The Mace A symbol of the authority of the Speaker

Who’s who and what’s what in the House of Commons? Hansard The transcripts of parliamentary debates

Who’s who and what’s what in the House of Commons? The Whip A party official who ensures party discipline in the legislature

Question Period What is it? Why is it an important feature of our system? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ytVPkNWXrQ

Role of the Member of Parliament Constituency work Represent constituents Debate / vote on bills Sit on cabinet committees Support and vote with party

Free Vote Should Members of Parliament vote mainly: - along party lines? - with the views of their constituents? - with their own personal judgment? Penalties for breaking party discipline include: No promotions to cabinet Loss of perks such as travel

Role of Governor General in Legislative Branch Reads Speech from the Throne Gives Royal Assent to legislation

Private Member’s bill A bill introduced by a backbench member of the government or opposition. Most do not pass or get through the process.

Legislative process