1. Slide Deck 2: The Levels of Government

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Who is the current prime minister?
Who is our MP?

6. 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

7. Who is the current premier?
Who is our MLA?

8. 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

9. Who is the current mayor or reeve?
Who is the head of our local council?

10. 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

11. Can you name the current GG and LG?
Do you know the new GG who will take office later this fall?

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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?

15. 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

16. Can you name the type of municipality you live in?

17. 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

18. 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

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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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?