1. Slide Deck: Levels of Government

2. Why is it important to know how government is structured in Canada
Why is it important to know how government is structured in Canada? How does government impact me personally?

3. What is a representative democracy?
A representative democracy is a form of government in which politicians are selected by citizens through a vote to make decisions and pass laws. Each elected official represents a different geographic area and the interests and concerns of the people who live in it (called constituents).

4. Levels of Government in Canada
Federal government
Provincial/territorial governments
Local governments
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit governments
Each level of government has its own group of elected representatives (politicians).

5. Federal
The elected representative is called a Member of Parliament (MP)
There are currently 338 elected MPs
MPs debate and pass laws in the House of Commons in Ottawa
The leader is called the prime minister

6. B.C. Provincial
The elected representative is called a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
There are currently 87 elected MLAs
MPPs debate and pass laws in the Legislative Assembly in Victoria
The leader is called the premier

7. Do you know how the prime minister of Canada is chosen
Do you know how the prime minister of Canada is chosen? Do you know how the premier of British Columbia is chosen?

8. At the federal and provincial levels, most elected representatives are associated with a political party (a group of people with similar beliefs and goals). The political party with the most number of elected representatives usually forms government and their leader becomes the leader of the government.

9. Re-cap: Federal vs. Provincial
Title given to the elected member
Member of Parliament (MP)
Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
Number of elected members
338 87
Title of the head of government
prime minister
premier
Name of the legislative body
House of Commons
Legislative Assembly

10. Local governments in British Columbia consist of municipalities and regional districts.

11. Municipalities Elected representatives are called councillors
The number of councillors ranges from 5 to 11 (depends on population)
The head of council is called a mayor
Council members are usually elected at large by all citizens in the municipality (no smaller districts, except for Lake Country)
Municipal councils debate and pass by-laws at the city/town hall

12. Regional Districts
In unincorporated areas in British Columbia, elected representatives are called electoral area directors and they sit on the regional district board.
Other members of the regional district board are appointed from municipal councils and where applicable, First Nations government bodies. These members are called regional district directors.
The head of regional district board is called a chair and they are selected among the members of the regional district board.

13. How are responsibilities divided among the different levels?

14. The level of government closest to the issue takes responsibility for it. For example, the federal government handles foreign affairs.
There are also issues where the levels of government share responsibility, such as the environment, taxation and natural resources.

15. Examples of Government Responsibilities
Federal: Immigration and citizenship, national defence, currency, public safety, fisheries and oceans
Provincial: Education, health care delivery, social welfare, transportation and highways
Local: Roads and bridges, water and sewer service, recreation and community facilities, libraries, police and fire protection

16. First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments
Municipal/Local
First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments
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.
Some Indigenous communities and First Nations reserves have their own governments which share certain responsibilities with the provincial/territorial or federal government.
Consensus government representatives do not belong to political parties.
The term self-government refers to a First Nation, Métis or Inuit community/nation with control over its own affairs. 

17. Can I contact my elected representatives?
YES!
Elected representatives expect to hear from their constituents when they have issues or concerns to discuss.
In most cases your representative can be contacted by mail, , phone, or by appointment at their local constituency office.

18. Summary of Representatives
Federal = Member of Parliament
Provincial = Member of Legislative Assembly
Local = Councillor/Electoral Area Director

19. Final Thoughts How does government impact you personally?
Why is it important to know which level of government is responsible for what?
What issue in your community concerns you the most? Which level of government would you contact about your concerns?