Key Positions in Canada’s Gov’t CHV20

There are 5 key positions in our Gov’t Governor General Prime Minister Cabinet Members of Parliament Senators

The Governor General What are their responsibilities? Represents the monarch (the King or Queen of England) in Canada Signs bills into law Acts as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces Appoints Prime Ministers based on results of elections Protects the gov’ts integrity in cases of abuse Performs ceremonial tasks How do you become the Governor General? Appointed by the monarch on advice of the Prime Minister Right Honourable Julie Payette

Prime Minister What are their responsibilities? Member of parliament responsible to his or her voters Leader of political party Head of gov’t Identifies the needs of the nation Develops programs to meet those needs on a national level Meets and negotiates with foreign leaders Presents bills for consideration the HOC Real power figure for the nation How do you become the Prime Minister? Appointed by the Governor General after winning the largest # of seats in the House of Commons Justin Trudeau elected in 2015

Cabinet (Minister of…) What are their responsibilities? Head gov’t departments, such as defence, env’t, labour etc Manage the dept’s, answer questions about matters related to their dept in the HOC Provide the PM with info and advice about their dept’s How do you become a member of the Cabinet? Must be a member of either the HOC or Senate are appointed to their positions by the Prime Minister Catherine McKenna Ottawa Centre, MP Environment and Climate Change Minister list of new cabinet

Members of Parliament (MP’s) How do you become a member of Parliament? Elected in one f the federal ridings in a general election Must be at least 18 years old Canadian Citizen What are their responsibilities? Represent voters of their riding Debate and vote on whether bills should become laws Sit on various committees examining bills Support their party positions on issues and in debates Chandra Arya Nepean

Senators How do you become a Senator? What are their responsibilities? Appointed by the GG on the advice of the PM Must be at least 30 yrs old Own at least $4000 worth of property Live in the province or territory they are representing Retire by the age of 75 What are their responsibilities? Read and pass bills into law Sit on various committees and examine issues of public interest such as government spending and foreign aid Jim Munson- Liberal/ Ottawa region / since 2003 Retirement 2021