Slide Deck: Levels of Government

Why is it important to know how government is structured in Canada Why is it important to know how government is structured in Canada? How does government impact me personally?

What is a representative democracy? A representative democracy is a form of government in which politicians are selected by citizens through a vote to make decisions and pass laws. Each elected official represents a different geographic area and the interests and concerns of the people who live in it (called constituents).

Levels of Government in Canada Federal government Provincial/territorial governments Municipal governments First Nations, Métis, and Inuit governments Each level of government has its own group of elected representatives (politicians).

Federal The elected representative is called a Member of Parliament (MP) There are currently 338 elected MPs MPs debate and pass laws in the House of Commons in Ottawa The leader is called the prime minister

Manitoba Provincial The elected representative is called a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) There are currently 57 elected MLAs MPPs debate and pass laws in the Legislative Assembly in Winnipeg The leader is called the premier

Do you know how the prime minister of Canada is chosen Do you know how the prime minister of Canada is chosen? Do you know how the premier of Manitoba is chosen?

At the federal and provincial levels, most elected representatives are associated with a political party (a group of people with similar beliefs and goals). The political party with the most number of elected representatives usually forms government and their leader becomes the leader of the government.

Re-cap: Federal vs. Provincial Title given to the elected member Member of Parliament (MP) Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Number of elected members 338 57 Title of the head of government prime minister premier Name of the legislative body House of Commons Legislative Assembly

Municipal governments in Manitoba consist of municipalities.

Municipalities Elected representatives are called councillors The number of councillors ranges from 4 to 10 (depends on population) The head of council is called a mayor or reeve Council members are usually elected at-large by all citizens in the municipality Municipal councils debate and pass by-laws at the city/town hall

How are responsibilities divided among the different levels?

The level of government closest to the issue takes responsibility for it. For example, the federal government handles foreign affairs. There are also issues where the levels of government share responsibility, such as the environment, taxation and natural resources.

Examples of Government Responsibilities Federal: Immigration and citizenship, national defence, currency, public safety, fisheries and oceans Provincial: Education, health care delivery, social welfare, transportation and highways Municipal: Roads and bridges, water and sewer service, recreation and community facilities, libraries, police and fire protection

First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments Municipal/Local First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments The elected representative at the municipal level is usually called a councillor. Municipal councils debate and pass laws at the local or city town hall. The head of the council is called a mayor or reeve. The size and structure of the council differs, depending on the population. Some Indigenous communities and First Nations reserves have their own governments which share certain responsibilities with the provincial/territorial or federal government. Consensus government representatives do not belong to political parties. The term self-government refers to a First Nation, Métis or Inuit community/nation with control over its own affairs. 

Can I contact my elected representatives? YES! Elected representatives expect to hear from their constituents when they have issues or concerns to discuss. In most cases your representative can be contacted by mail, email, phone, or by appointment at their local constituency office.

Summary of Representatives Federal = Member of Parliament Provincial = Member of Legislative Assembly Municipal = Councillor

Final Thoughts How does government impact you personally? Why is it important to know which level of government is responsible for what? What issue in your community concerns you the most? Which level of government would you contact about your concerns?