Slide Deck 7B: Levels of Government

How is government organized in Canada?

What is a representative democracy? Representatives (or politicians) are chosen by people to act and speak on their behalf in government (and pass laws) These representatives are chosen through elections Each representative is responsible for a different geographic area or community

Levels of Government Canada has several levels of government and each has its own group elected representatives. Federal Provincial and territorial Municipal

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

Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial The elected representative is called a Member of the House of Assembly (MHA) There will be 40 MHAs voted into provincial government in the spring election MHAs debate and pass laws in the Legislative Assembly in St. John’s 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 Newfoundland and Labrador is chosen?

How are the leaders decided? At the provincial and federal level, most elected representatives are part of a political party (a group with shared interests and goals). The political party with the most number of elected representatives usually forms government and their leader becomes the leader of the government.

Current leaders Justin Trudeau Dwight Ball Prime Minister Premier Liberal Party of Canada 183 representatives (out of 338) Dwight Ball Premier Liberal 28 representatives (out of 40)

Municipal Governments The elected representative at the municipal level is called a councillor (not part of political party) The size and structure of the council depends on the size of the community The head of the council (leader) is called a mayor and they elected by all citizens living in the municipality Municipal councils debate and pass laws at the city or town hall

Who is responsible for what in government?

Government Responsibilities Federal = National/International issues (Trade, immigration and citizenship, national defence, fisheries and oceans) Provincial = Provincial issues (Education, health care delivery, universities and colleges, transportation and highways) Municipal = Local issues (Roads and bridges, water and sewer service, recreation and community facilities, libraries, police and fire protection)

For some issues, the different levels of government have to work together and share the responsibility. This is called concurrency. For example: environment, natural resources

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 House of Assembly Municipal = Local Councillor

FINAL THOUGHTS What have you learned about government in Canada? Is government important? Why or why not? What issue in your community concerns you the most? Who can you contact?