Slide Deck 2: The Levels of Government

What do you know about the structure of government in Canada?

The Levels of Government Canada is a large and diverse country To serve citizens most effectively, there are multiple levels of government: federal, provincial/territorial and municipal, as well as Indigenous governments Each level has its own structure and a unique set of responsibilities

Federal The elected representative at the national level is called a Member of Parliament (MP) There are 338 elected MPs. They make up the legislative body, which creates or enacts laws for the country MPs debate and pass laws in the House of Commons in Ottawa The leader of the government is called the prime minister

Provincial The elected representatives are called Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Alberta The provincial legislative body is made up of 87 MLAs MLAs debate and pass laws at the Legislative Assembly in Edmonton The leader of the government is called the premier

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

Political Quiz Leaders: Who is the current prime minister? Who is the current premier? Who is the current mayor or reeve? Local representatives: Who is our MP? Who is our MLA? Who is the head of our local council?

Appointed Representatives As a constitutional monarchy, Canada’s head of state is a hereditary sovereign (queen or king) who reigns in accordance with the Constitution At the federal level, the sovereign is represented by the governor general (GG), who is appointed by the sovereign on the advice of the prime minister At the provincial level, the sovereign is represented by the lieutenant governor (LG), who is appointed by the GG on the advice of the prime minister These individuals are appointed on the advice of the prime minister and serve five-year terms No similar role exists at the municipal level

Division of Powers When they chose a federal form of government, the Canadian Fathers of Confederation assigned particular responsibilities to the federal and provincial governments (outlined in Sections 91–95 of the Constitution Act) This division of powers is based on the idea of subsidiarity, meaning that the government level closest to the issue governs it Local 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: Water supply and sewer services, public transit, roads and sidewalks, garbage and recreational facilities

Which level of government has the greatest impact on your daily life Which level of government has the greatest impact on your daily life? Why is it important to know who your local representative is?

Municipalities in Alberta Alberta is currently separated into 354 different local areas called municipalities The Municipal Government Act states that the purpose of municipalities is: To provide good government; To provide services, facilities or other things that, in the opinion of council, are necessary or desirable for all or a part of the municipality; and To develop safe and viable communities.

Municipality Types There are three types in Alberta: urban municipalities, rural municipalities and specialized municipalities Urban municipalities include cities, towns, villages and summer villages Rural municipalities include municipal districts or counties, as well as improvement districts and special areas Specialized municipalities allow urban and rural communities to coexist in a single municipal government

Structure of the Municipal Council The council members include a head of the council and the elected councillors or aldermen The chair of the council is either a mayor or a reeve A mayor is directly elected by citizens in most cases, whereas a reeve is usually chosen from among and by the elected councillors Councillors and aldermen can be elected at large or by ward (smaller areas within a municipality) There can be one or more councillors elected to each ward

Your Municipality What is the name of your municipality? What type of municipality is it? Do you have a mayor or reeve? How are they elected? Are councillors or aldermen elected at large or by ward?

The Role of Council Members To work together to govern the municipality and take responsibility for its safety and future growth To listen to concerns and suggestions from community members, attend council meetings, and make by-laws and decisions for the municipality To support and/or participate in various activities and events in their communities

Municipal/Local Métis Settlements 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. The term self-government refers to a First Nation, Métis or Inuit community with control over its own affairs Alberta has eight incorporated Métis settlements established under the Métis Settlements Act Each settlement has about 5,000 Métis residents Settlements will hold their elections alongside other Alberta municipalities on October 16, 2017

Debrief Do you like living in your municipality? Why? Is there anything in your community that you would change or would like to improve? Do you think your municipality is run efficiently? Could you make any recommendations?