Canada’s Political System

Canadian System Canada’s system of government is a federal parliamentary democracy. Our Head of State is the Queen. The Queen has representatives in Canada to do her work. national level - Governor General, provincial level - Lieutenant Governors.

Our National government is considered to be “Bicameral” (Two houses) House of Commons (H of C) Senate Our provincial governments are all “Unicameral” (One house) however each province did have two houses in the past.

Political Branches

Branches of Government Both the Provincial and the Federal levels of government have three branches of government: Executive Legislative Judicial – totally separate from other two branches because justice and fairness demands that judges are not accountable to politicians.

Executive Branch made up of the: Crown (Queen, Governor General, and Lieutenant Governors) largely ceremonial therefore known as the “formal executive” Prime minister (political executive) Cabinet (political executive)

The Crown RIGHTS OF THE CROWN Right not to be sued. Right to property not already owned. (Crown land) ROLE OF THE GOVENOR GENERAL Has very little practical input on the political system.

Governor General (David Johnston) The representative of the Queen in Canada. Head of State, the commander-in-chief of Canada. Ensure there is a Prime Minister The governor general represents Canada during State visits abroad and receives Royal visitors, heads of State and foreign ambassadors at Rideau Hall and at the Citadelle of Québec. The governor general presents honours and awards to recognize excellence, valour, bravery and exceptional achievements. `

Governor General (cont.) Summons, opens, and Prorogues (ends) sessions of Parliament, reads the Speech from the Throne, gives Royal Assent to bills signs State documents, and dissolves Parliament for an election. Swears in the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of Canada and cabinet ministers.

Prime Minister (Steven Harper) Cdn. Head of Government The PM is the central figure in Canadian politics. Not as much power as US pres. Who becomes PM? Head of the party with the most seats in the H of C. Some of the Crown’s powers are exercised by the PM. Lead the political party (Must focus on getting elected) Leader of caucus and cabinet Powers of appointment – ministers, diplomats, judges Calling together and ending a parliament  

Prime minister Must keep the confidence of the H of C and his/her caucus or they can be defeated. If defeated on a major bill they must resign. Joe Clark

Prime Minister (Cont) Canada has had 21 PM’s since 1867. Shortest serving? (Charles Tupper – 69 days) From Nova Scotia Longest serving? (Mackenzie King – 22 yrs) Youngest? (Joe Clarke)

Cabinet

Cabinet The PM selects members from his/her party Must be balanced provincially, ethnically, religiously, by language, and by gender   THE ROLE OF CABINET Decide what policies the country will follow. Cabinet must act in solidarity. A piece of legislation passed by Cabinet usually means whole party must follow. Individual ministers of the cabinet must answer directly to the H of C in Question Period. Cabinet plans the business of Parliament. They draft legislation and handle the country’s finances. (As well each minister with a department determines the policies of that dept.) Are held accountable for their actions during question period.