1. Governance in Canada

2. Canada’s Government
Canada is a parliamentary democracy, which means we elect people to represent us in our parliament and legislatures.
Canada is also a constitutional monarchy, which means that the monarch (the Queen) is our head of state.
The powers of the monarchy in Canada are limited by the Constitution. The Queen abides by the decisions of the Canadian Government, but she continues to play important ceremonial and symbolic roles.

4. The Monarchy
Although we have our own constitution, we continue to recognize the British Monarchy (the Queen) as our own monarch and formal head of the state.
Surprisingly the Queen has very little power in Canada, but she remains a part of our tradition.

5. The Governor General David Johnston
The Governor General is an appointed official of Canada’s government.
He/she is appointed by the monarch (the Queen) on the advice of the Canadian government.
The Governor General represents the Queen, opens Parliament by reading the Speech from the Throne, greets foreign leaders and dignitaries, and formally acknowledges outstanding contributions of Canadian citizens with awards and medals.
Do you know the name of the current Governor General?
David Johnston

6. Rights and Responsibilities

7. What is a right?
All citizens living in a democracy have guaranteed rights and freedoms.
A right is a legal privilege or entitlement that is protected.
Rights are usually fought for and claimed, and less often simply granted.
Examples: the right to express yourself, freedom of religion.

8. Discussion
Have you ever had to fight or argue for a privilege at home, in school or in your community? Were you successful? If so, how?

9. Democratic Rights
In a democracy, we vote for representatives to make decisions and pass laws on our behalf. Elections are the process of selecting these representatives.
Every Canadian citizen, 18 years and older, has the right to vote in a Canadian election and to be a candidate in a Canadian election.
This also includes the requirement of the federal government to hold an election at least every five years.

10. Universal Suffrage
The right to vote has been fought for by various groups throughout our history.
Initially, only men who owned property could vote.
After much campaigning by men and women, women received the right to vote federally in 1918.
The last of the limitations for various ethnic and religious groups were not removed until 1960.
Universal suffrage is the extension of the right to vote to all adult citizens.

11. What is a responsibility?
A responsibility is a duty or obligation.
It is something you should do to show that you respect your rights.
Example: your right to an education comes with the responsibility to show up to school prepared and on time.

12. Responsibilities in a Democracy
It is the responsibility of all Canadians to respect and abide by the rules set out by the Constitution in order to benefit from their protected rights.
The right to vote comes with the responsibility to vote and to make an informed decision.

13. Federal Voter Turnout by Age Group

14. Federal Voter Turnout Which age group had the highest voter turnout?
Which group had the lowest?
How does voter turnout among different age groups influence the results of an election? Which age groups would politicians want to speak to more?
What does it say about different age groups? What does it say about our election process?

15. Final Thoughts
Electoral participation in Canada is declining at all levels of government (federal, provincial/territorial and municipal/local).
Why do you think fewer people are voting today?
Is the decline in voting disrespectful to those who had to fight for their right to vote?
Should voting be mandatory

16. Watch the Video Below