Lesson 3: Governments in Canada

Canada’s Government Canada is a federal state, parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. A federal state brings together a number of different political communities with a central government (federal) for national matters and separate local governments (provincial/territorial) for local purposes. As a parliamentary democracy, we elect members to our parliament and legislatures across the country. As a constitutional monarchy, Canada’s head of state is a hereditary sovereign (queen or king), who reigns in accordance with the Constitution.

Three Levels of Government Canada is a very large country with different needs and interests. In order to support the needs of citizens, the Canadian government is structured into a three level system: federal, provincial/territorial and municipal. Each level has its own arrangement of elected and appointed officials, as well as a unique set of responsibilities.

Three Branches of Government Legislative Branch: Made up of elected representatives at the given level. Responsible for creating, debating and amending laws and regulations. Executive Branch: The Queen’s representative and cabinet ministers (appointed elected representatives by the premier). Responsible for government operations, and implementing and enforcing laws 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.

Federal The elected representative at the federal level is called a Member of Parliament (MP). There are 308 elected MPs. This is the federal legislative body, which creates or enact laws. They debate and pass laws in the House of Commons in Ottawa. The leader of the government is called the prime minister. The Queen is represented by the governor general.

Provincial The elected representative at the provincial level is called a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). The legislative body in Alberta has 87 elected MLAs. MLAs debate and pass laws at the Legislative Assembly in Edmonton. The leader of the government is called the premier. The Queen is represented by the lieutenant governor.

Municipal The elected representative at the municipal level is called a councillor or alderman. 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.

Section 91-95, Constitution When they chose a federal form of government, the Canadian Fathers of Confederation assigned particular responsibilities to the different levels of government (Sections 91–95, Constitution Act). This division of powers is based on the idea of subsidiarity, meaning, the government that is closest to the issue governs it. Municipal governments receive powers from their province.

Division of Responsibilities Federal: National defence, international trade, foreign policy, money, public safety, immigration and citizenship. Provincial/Territorial: Health care delivery/hospitals, education, welfare, transportation within the province, justice, energy and the environment. Municipal: Waste management, water and sewage, community services, fire protection and recreation.

Final Thoughts Is government important? Why or why not? How does government affect your life? Why is it important to know who is your elected representative at each level?