Slide Deck 5: Levels of Government

What does a representative democracy mean?

A representative democracy is a form of government in which representatives are elected to make policy and pass laws while representing the citizens. Each elected official represents a different geographic area, such as an electoral district, riding or ward.

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

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 The Queen is represented by the governor general

New Brunswick Provincial The elected representative is called a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) There will be 49 MLAs voted into provincial government in the September election MLAs debate and pass laws in the Legislative Assembly in Fredericton The leader is called the premier The Queen is represented by the lieutenant governor

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 New Brunswick is chosen?

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 49 Title of the head of government prime minister premier Name of the legislative body House of Commons Legislative Assembly The monarch’s representative governor general lieutenant governor

Municipal Governments The elected representative at the municipal level is called a councillor The size and structure of the council differs depending on the population it represents The head of the council is called a mayor and they are elected by all citizens living in the municipality Municipal councils debate and pass laws at the city or town hall

How are issues and responsibilities divided among the different levels?

Division of Powers The division of powers is outlined in Sections 91–95 of the Constitution Act This division of powers is based on subsidiarity, meaning that the government level closest to the issue governs it Municipal governments receive their powers from the provincial government

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

This is called concurrency. There are also policy areas where the levels of government share responsibility, such as the environment, taxation and natural resources. This is called concurrency.

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 to discuss, or if they need help accessing government services. 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 the Legislative Assembly Municipal = Local Councillor

Closure How does government impact you on a daily basis? Which level of government has the greatest impact on you? Why is it important to know your different elected representatives?