1. Government Structures help us live together
Page (Textbook)

2. Why do we have different levels of government?
Canada is a huge country - approximately 10 million square kilometres
To meet the needs of all regions in the country Canada has a multi-level system of government known as FEDERALISM
Federalism – multi-level system of government. Each level has its own leader with specific powers and responsibilities, written in Canadian Constitution

3. Levels of government Level of Government Who it serves Leader
Municipal
Local
Mayor
Provincial or territorial
Regional
Premier
Federal
National
Prime minister

4. Levels of government
The federal government is national and is called the Government of Canada
The 10 provincial and 3 territorial governments look after specific geographical regions
Provinces have their own constitutional powers, separate from the federal government
Territories are controlled (and granted some powers) by the federal government
Municipalities are local city, town, and district governments
First Nations have elected local governments called band councils, as defined by the Indian Act (Chief and elected counsellors)

5. Each level of government has its own responsibilities
Municipal
Provincial and Territorial
Federal
Animal control
Emergency services
Garbage and sewage
Land-use planning
Public transit
Water
Education
Health
Environment
Property and civil rights
Highway
Aboriginal affairs
Citizenship and immigration
Fisheries
Foreign affairs
National defence
Shipping and railways

6. Spending by all levels in 2009
Spending by all levels of government, by level (2009)
$ (Billions) %
Municipal level 74
12%
Provincial level
316
50%
Federal level
243
38%
TOTAL
631
100%

7. Spending by all 3 governments
$ billions %
Social services (employment insurance)
190
30%
Health
122
19%
Education 96
15%
Protection (police, prisons, military) 51 8%
Interest charges on debt 44 7%
Transportation and communication 32 5%
Resource/industry development 20 3%
Environment 17
Other 59
10%
TOTAL
631
100%

8. In 2009, all 3 levels of government spent $631 billion.
Approximately $ per Canadian every year.
Is that more or less than you would have thought?

9. Do we need so many levels of government?
Would you call the prime minister if your garbage wasn’t picked up properly?
Would you call your local mayor to decide whether or not the country should go to war?
Separate levels of government make sense because there are local issues and national issues
About 3 million Canadians are employed by all levels of government to provide services to Canadians
Some people feel like the cost of multiple layers of government is too expensive, others feel it is necessary to keep Canada working and meeting diverse needs

10. Questions
1) Should we have 3 levels of government? In what ways might fewer levels of government cost more in the long run?
2) If government spending is an indication of political significance, do you agree with current spending priorities? What would you change and why?

11. 3) What government services do you and your family enjoy, and what level of government provides them? What are they worth to you? LIST ALL SERVICES YOU USE:

12. Why do we need separate branches of government?
Think of government like a family – parents and children have different jobs and responsibilities, same with government
Federal and provincial governments are structured into 3 branches: the LEGISLATIVE BRANCH, the EXECUTIVE BRANCH, and the JUDICIAL BRANCH
Each branch has a specific role to play

13. Distribution of power Legislature has the power to make laws
Executive has the power to administer laws
Judiciary has the power to apply laws

14. Legislative Branch Makes laws Elected members of the House of Commons
Appointed members of the senate
Represent citizens’ interest in government
Debate and pass new laws
Monitor government policies and actions

15. Executive Branch Administer laws Prime minister Cabinet ministers
Ministries and civil servants
Set government policy
Initiate and draft new laws
Administer, implement, and enforce laws and policies

16. Judicial branch Applies laws Judges and courts
Interpret and apply laws through court cases and decisions
Strike down law that are unconstitutional

17. Textbook – page 84
Copy out the diagram