CANADA’S GOVERNMENT Democracy in Action

The Constitution Canada’s government is shaped by our constitution. But, what does that mean?

What is a constitution? A constitution is a plan that provides the rules for a government. It outlines not only how the government should be organized but the processes of government and the rights of the people being governed. Constitutions are frequently revised and expanded upon because their creators could not feasibly imagine every possible circumstance.

Canada’s Constitution As we have already discussed, Canada is a constitutional monarchy. Our current constitution was written in in 1982 but has its roots in the Constitution Act of 1867 (British North America Act) which established Canada’s confederation.

Canada’s Constitution Queen Elizabeth II signs The Constitution Act of 1982 on Parliament Hill, on April 18th of that year. Artistic depiction of the negations which lead to 1867’s Constitution Act.

The Levels of Government The Constitution of Canada  divided the responsibilities of the Government into federal and provincial jurisdictions. It also provided for the possibility of the provincial governments to delegate some of its responsibilities to a municipal government.

The Branches of Government Every level of government (federal, provincial, municipal) is divided into 3 branches: Executive Legislative Judicial

Federal Government The Executive: Responsible for running the day-to-day business of the country Proposes and enforces laws Includes: The Queen: Elizabeth II Head of State (figurehead) The Governor General: David Johnston Represents the Queen in Canada Gives Royal Assent to laws

Federal Government The Prime Minister: Stephen Harper The Cabinet Head of the Government The Cabinet Ministers run government departments The RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) enforce federal laws across the country. CSIS (Canadian Security and Intelligence Service) provides national security services.

Federal Government The Legislative Branch: Debates and passes laws Includes the House of Commons and the Senate Kitchener-Waterloo’s MP (member of parliament) Peter Braid

Federal Government The Senate The House of Commons Consists of 105 members, appointed by the governor general base on advice of PM 96 seats are divided amongst 4 regions (Ontario/Quebec/ Maritime Provinces/Western Provinces) The seats for Newfoundland and Labrador and the Territories are assigned apart from the regions The House of Commons Democratically elected body, consisting of 308 MPs Seats are distributed to provinces based on population

Federal Government The House of Commons Senate MPs assemble in the House to do the country’s business To pass a bill, the government needs the support of “one half plus one” The House is mediated by the Speaker of the House, is elected by the MPs through a secret ballot and is expected to be impartial Senate A major purpose of the Senate, initially, was to veto irresponsible bills passed by the House of Commons Today, the Senate rarely vetoes legislation passed by the house All bills need to pass in the Senate in order to become laws Besides making suggested amendments to bills, Senators serve on parliamentary committees and commissions investigating important issues

The Federal Government The Judicial Branch: This is the court system They interpret and enforce laws Supreme Court of Canada is the highest in the country Also includes Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal

Summary: The Roles of the Federal Government Making Laws – PM, Cabinet, House of Commons, Senate, Governor-General Interpreting Laws – Judicial Branch (courts) Providing Services in lawful manner

TASK So...What does the Prime Minster do anyways?

Provincial Government Executive Lieutenant Governor (David Onley) Represents the Queen & gives Royal Assent Premier (Dalton McGuinty) Head of Government Cabinet Ministers who run Government Departments (ex. Education, Health) OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) Enforce laws across the province

Provincial Government

Provincial Government Legislative: Legislative Assembly Queen’s Park (Toronto) Only one house at this level (no Senate) Waterloo’s MPP (Member of Provincial Parliament) is Catherine Fife (New Democrat)

Provincial Government Judicial Provincial courts, judges, jails They try criminal and civil court cases

Municipal Government Executive Legislative Judicial Mayor City Council Waterloo (Brenda Halloran) Kitchener (Carl Zehr) City Council Waterloo Regional Police Legislative City Council makes “bylaws” Only one house Judicial Local jails / detention centers