The Citizen and Government Government and Law

Choosing the Government All voters have an equal opportunity to choose their representatives, and the freedom to express their views freely.

Choosing the Government: Elections If you are 18 years or older and a Canadian citizen you can vote. Federal / Provincial elections are held every 5 years Municipal elections can be more often such as 2 / 3 years. Why should you vote? It is the most widely used method for citizens to influence government.

Choosing the Government: Election Campaigns A candidate needs plenty of money and volunteers to run an election campaign. Volunteers – answer phones, distribute campaign literature, put up signs etc. Political Parties usually solicit donations from individuals and businesses to pay for their campaigns.

Choosing the Government: Polling Station On election day, polling stations are set up in every riding. (The Voters List) Schools and places of worship are often used. The names of all eligible voters who have registered are listed at each polling station (the name is crossed out when the individual votes). Voting takes place in private.

The Election Process Polls close in all ridings at the same time (in that province). Then the votes are tallied to determine the winner of each riding. Essentially, this is a large election divided into ~338 mini- elections This is called first-past-the-post system. Whomever gets the most votes wins the seat, even if they only received 30% of the total vote in that riding You don’t need a real majority (>50% votes) to win your seat. You just need the most votes. The winner of the overall election = the party that wins the most seats The government needs a real majority (>50% seats) to ensure that they will have the confidence of the House of Commons

Voting Strategy In First Past the Post, the leader of the party (the PM Candidate) runs in one riding as an Member of Parliament, just like every other riding. It is extremely rare (I can’t think of any examples) to see 2 candidates for PM running against each other in the same riding. The actual election is not directly about voting for the Prime Minister. Technically, you are voting for your local representative. A political party wins the election by sending the most local representatives to the House of Commons, rather than a Prime Minister winning the election by getting the most votes. Then the leader of the party becomes the Prime Minister Different people vote based on different reasons: Who do they want the PM to be? Don’t care as much about who the local MP is. Which local representative do they prefer? Don’t care as much about which party wins the overall election How can they make sure the party they DON’T like DOESN’T win? Vote for “the enemy of my enemy” instead of voting for their favourite person

Proportional Representation This is a proposed system that is often debated in the House of Commons. It is used in many countries in Europe, but the purest example is in Israel. In this system there is no need for ridings. Each political party puts forward a list of all its candidates. Voters support a candidate for Prime Minister on the basis of the party he/she represents. The numbers of seats a party wins in the legislature is based on the total number of votes it receives. Problems: Local representation would disappear Does not give one party a majority, parties often have to create coalitions

Political Parties Political Parties act as a way of representing the views of Canadians in the decision making process. Members of a political party share a common set of beliefs. These beliefs together are called an ideology. The ideology of a party provides a framework for its decisions and policies.

Joining a Political Party To join a Political Party you must be 18 years of age; however, most parties had a special youth component. Why Join??? Some wish to improve the quality of life in their community Others believe in the ideology of the party Some are attracted to the power and influence of politics

The Political Spectrum A political spectrum is used to explain the range of beliefs and views in politics. Each side of the spectrum has a name “left-wing”, “center”, and “right-wing”. Left-wing Center Right-wing

The Political Spectrum: Left-wing Support making changes in order to improve the welfare of all citizens Governments should play a larger role in people’s lives, especially in providing social services Law and order are important to protect the rights of all citizens fairly and equally

The Political Spectrum: Center Tradition is important, but change must be supported if most people want it Governments should play a role only when it improves the lives of citizens Law and order are important to encourage and protect the rights of individuals

The Political Spectrum: Right-wing Tradition is important; we should be cautious about any proposed change to the current system Governments should play a small role in your daily life. Private businesses and the free market will ensure the needs of citizens are met Emphasizes strong law and order to protect society and its traditions from being threatened

The Conservative Party of Canada Favours a balanced budget, while still trying to provide some essential social programs. Prefers privatization of social programs to lessen the tax burden. Believes in equality of opportunity and freedom of the individual. Supports restricting immigration policies in favour of wealthier immigrants Supports both English / French as official languages. Supports free enterprise and lower taxes. Against legalization of marijuana Leader: Andrew Scheer

The Liberal Party of Canada Supports individual freedom and the pursuit of equality of opportunity for all persons. Favors the expansion of social programs; such as health care. Believes in the value of multiculturalism and is sympathetic to the hopes of French Canadians. Supports easing immigration restrictions, and allowing more refugees into the country. For legalization of Marijuana Leader: Justin Trudeau

Bloc Quebecois Believes that Quebec should become a sovereign (independent) state and separate from the rest of Canada. Believes in the protection of Quebec’s traditions and culture. Supports immigration to Quebec to increase the French-speaking population of Canada. Supports limited increases to social welfare programs, ensuring that poor people are taken care of while wealthy people can take care of themselves For Legalization of Marijuana Leader: Mario Beaulieu

The New Democratic Party (NDP) Believes that government should intervene in important aspects of the economy; therefore, it is generally against privatization of current government programs. Believes in welfare (Employment Insurance / Welfare Program) that is fully socialized by the government. Supports easing immigration restrictions, and allowing more refugees into the country. Believes government should pay for healthcare and education / everyone should have access to these services. For legalizing marijuana Leader: Jagmeet Singh

The Green Party Is organized around four key issue areas: economy, communities, government, and climate. Strives for a democracy in which all citizens have the right to express their views, and are able to directly participate in decisions which affect their lives. Believes that Quebec should become a sovereign (independent) state and separate from the rest of Canada. For legalizing marijuana Leader: Elizabeth May

Influencing Government Between elections, individuals can and do influence government by contacting their MP, MLA etc. Government can also be influence by pressure groups. A pressure group is made up of people who share a certain viewpoint and want to change or influence government policy in order to promote their common interest.

Pressure Groups Institutionalized Pressure Groups: Well established and have formal organizations. Green Peace, Free the Children, Canadian Cancer Society Issue-oriented Groups: Less permanent. People from these groups to accomplish aims, and disband after have accomplished there aim. End Child Poverty, Support Child Hunger

Becoming a Canadian Citizen 18 years of age Been a legal permanent resident in Canada for 3 out of 4 previous years Be able to communicate in French / English Have knowledge of Canada