1. Slide Deck 5: Levels of Government

2. What does a representative democracy mean?

3. A representative democracy is a form of government in which representatives are elected to make policy and pass laws while representing the citizens. Each elected official represents a different geographic area, such as an electoral district, riding or ward.

4. Levels of Government in Canada
Federal government
Provincial and territorial governments
Municipal and local governments
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit government
Each level of government has its group of elected representatives.

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
The Queen is represented by the governor general

6. New Brunswick Provincial
The elected representative is called a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
There will be 49 MLAs voted into provincial government in the September election
MLAs debate and pass laws in the Legislative Assembly in Fredericton
The leader is called the premier
The Queen is represented by the lieutenant governor

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 New Brunswick is chosen?

8. 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 49
Title of the head of government
prime minister
premier
Name of the legislative body
House of Commons
Legislative Assembly
The monarch’s representative
governor general
lieutenant governor

10. Municipal Governments
The elected representative at the municipal level is called a councillor
The size and structure of the council differs depending on the population it represents
The head of the council is called a mayor and they are elected by all citizens living in the municipality
Municipal councils debate and pass laws at the city or town hall

11. How are issues and responsibilities divided among the different levels?

12. Division of Powers
The division of powers is outlined in Sections 91–95 of the Constitution Act
This division of powers is based on subsidiarity, meaning that the government level closest to the issue governs it
Municipal 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/Local: Roads and bridges, water and sewer service, recreation and community facilities, libraries, police and fire protection

14. This is called concurrency.
There are also policy areas where the levels of government share responsibility, such as the environment, taxation and natural resources.
This is called concurrency.

15. 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. 

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

17. Summary of Representatives
Federal = Member of Parliament
Provincial = Member of the Legislative Assembly
Municipal = Local Councillor

18. Closure How does government impact you on a daily basis?
Which level of government has the greatest impact on you?
Why is it important to know your different elected representatives?