Functions of Government The Canadian Model

The Canadian Model Government in Canada is divided into 3 main branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial

Executive Duty is to propose, carry out and enforce laws Federal: Queen (represented by the Governor General), the Prime Minister, the Federal Cabinet, and the Federal Civil Service Provincial: Queen (represented by the Lieutenant-Governor), the Premier, the Provincial Cabinet, and the Provincial Civil Service

Executive the real executive power in Canada is wielded by the Prime Minister, Premiers and their Cabinets. The P.M. and Premiers are chosen by the Political party in power and are responsible to the party for their political decision. Cabinet Members are picked by the P.M or Premiers from among the leading members of their party who hold seats in the legislature. Together, they decide on the government’s major policies. Members of the Cabinet are placed in charge of a Ministry such as Justice, Agriculture, Education, Environment, etc. (this is also known as a portfolio). Cabinet Ministers rely on the assistance and advice from Civil Servants (employees of the government) to help make policy decisions.

Legislative -duty is to enact (make), amend (change), and repeal (remove) laws -the Federal Parliament is made up of the House of Commons (elected members) and the Senate (appointed)

Judicial the court system’s duty is to interpret and uphold Canadian laws. the courts system is headed by the Supreme Court of Canada, which is the last court of appeal in Canada. Its decisions are always final. It also plays an important role in interpreting the Constitution, especially the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. all provinces have their own court system as well

Comparison of Federal and Provincial