Slide Deck 6: Governments in Canada

Why should I know how government in Canada is structured Why should I know how government in Canada is structured? How do the different levels of government in Canada impact me personally?

What is a representative democracy? A representative democracy is a form of government in which politicians (representatives) are selected through elections to make policy and pass laws on behalf of citizens. Each elected official represents a specific geographic area and the interests and concerns of the people who live in it (called constituents).

What is our government system? Canada is a federal state, parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. Federal state – This means we have a central government (federal) for general purposes and separate local governments (provincial/territorial) for local purposes. Parliamentary democracy – We elect members to represent us in our federal parliament and provincial legislatures, and the political party with the most elected representatives forms government. Constitutional monarchy - The British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, is our head of state. The authority of the monarch is limited by our constitution.

Levels of Government in Canada Federal government Provincial/territorial governments Municipal governments First Nations, Métis, and Inuit government Each level of government has its own group of elected representatives.

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 House of 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?

At the federal and provincial levels, most elected representatives are associated with a political party (group of people with similar goals). The political party with the most number of elected representatives usually forms government and their leader becomes the leader of the government.

Re-cap: Federal vs. Provincial Title given to the elected member Member of Parliament (MP) Member of the House of Assembly (MHA) Number of elected members 338 40 Title of the head of government prime minister Premier Name of the legislative body House of Commons House of Assembly The monarch’s representative governor general lieutenant governor

Municipal Governments The elected representative at the municipal level is called a councillor The size and structure of the council differs depending on the population it represents The head of the council is called a mayor, and they are elected by all citizens living in the municipality Municipal councils debate and pass laws at the city or town hall

How are issues and responsibilities divided among the different levels?

Division of Powers The division of powers is outlined in Sections 91–95 of the Constitution Act This division of powers is based on the principle of subsidiarity, meaning that the government level closest to the issue governs it Municipal 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: Roads and bridges, water and sewer service, recreation and community facilities, libraries, police and fire protection

This is called concurrency. There are also policy areas where the levels of government share responsibility, such as the environment, taxation and natural resources. This is called concurrency.

Concurrency Example: The Environment Federal Government = Enforces the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and regulates waterways used for fishing and shipping. Provincial Government = Regulates land use, mining, manufacturing and harmful emissions. Municipal Governments = Responsible for zoning, garbage disposal, and sewage and water treatment.

First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments Municipal/Local First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments 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. Some Indigenous communities and First Nations reserves have their own governments which share certain responsibilities with the provincial/territorial or federal government. Consensus government representatives do not belong to political parties. The term self-government refers to a First Nation, Métis or Inuit community/nation with control over its own affairs. 

Can I contact my elected representatives? YES! Elected representatives expect to hear from their constituents when they have issues or concerns to discuss. 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 Why is it important to know who your elected representatives are? Why is it important to know which level of government is responsible for what? How does government affect me?