1. Canada’s Federal System

2. Federal System
A federal state has two levels of government – a federal or national government and a second order of government made up of local units such as provinces or territories
Both levels of government are recognized in a country’s constitution
Both levels have their respective roles and responsibilities
There is often conflict between the levels of government
Cooperation between the two levels of government is called cooperative federalism

3. Canada’s Federal-Provincial/Territorial Relations
Under Canada’s constitution, powers are divided among the federal, provincial, and territorial governments
The provinces and territories also control their own municipal or local governments
John A. Macdonald advocated for a strong central government but Wilfred Laurier worked to reverse Macdonald’s centrist policies
Outside influences like the world wars and the great depression helped ensure the strength of the central government

4. Quebec has always been opposed to cooperative federalism
In 1965 when the Canadian Pension Plan was created Quebec opted out and created their own plan
Pierre Trudeau was strongly committed to federalism and provincial equality
Pierre Trudeau advocated for provincial equality and in doing so he supported constitutional reforms that became the Constitution Act, 1982.
Quebec refused to sign­­ the constitution, yet, the Supreme Court argued that Quebec could not veto constitutional change (therefore they are bound to it)
Mulroney’s Conservatives appealed to the provinces and restored Quebec’s claim as a “distinct society”

5. Federal
Provincial/Territorial
Municipal
“Peace, order, and good of government”
education
public transit
national defense
health services
waste collection and disposal
foreign diplomacy
some natural resources
water and sewers
international trade
environmental issues
snow removal
aboriginal affairs
solemnization of marriage
fire protection services
postal service
licences
zoning land
banking system
highways
local police services
marriage and divorce
provincial court systems, police, and prisons
property taxes, some licence fees
criminal law