1. Key Positions in Canada’s Gov’t
CHV20

2. There are 5 key positions in our Gov’t
Governor General
Prime Minister
Cabinet
Members of Parliament
Senators

3. The Governor General What are their responsibilities?
Represents the monarch (the King or Queen of England) in Canada
Signs bills into law
Acts as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces
Appoints Prime Ministers based on results of elections
Protects the gov’ts integrity in cases of abuse
Performs ceremonial tasks
How do you become the Governor General?
Appointed by the monarch on advice of the Prime Minister
Right Honourable Julie Payette

4. Prime Minister What are their responsibilities?
Member of parliament responsible to his or her voters
Leader of political party
Head of gov’t
Identifies the needs of the nation
Develops programs to meet those needs on a national level
Meets and negotiates with foreign leaders
Presents bills for consideration the HOC
Real power figure for the nation
How do you become the Prime Minister?
Appointed by the Governor General after winning the largest # of seats in the House of Commons
Justin Trudeau elected in 2015

5. Cabinet (Minister of…)
What are their responsibilities?
Head gov’t departments, such as defence, env’t, labour etc
Manage the dept’s, answer questions about matters related to their dept in the HOC
Provide the PM with info and advice about their dept’s
How do you become a member of the Cabinet?
Must be a member of either the HOC or Senate
are appointed to their positions by the Prime Minister
Catherine McKenna
Ottawa Centre, MP
Environment and Climate Change Minister
list of new cabinet

6. Members of Parliament (MP’s)
How do you become a member of Parliament?
Elected in one f the federal ridings in a general election
Must be at least 18 years old
Canadian Citizen
What are their responsibilities?
Represent voters of their riding
Debate and vote on whether bills should become laws
Sit on various committees examining bills
Support their party positions on issues and in debates
Chandra Arya Nepean

7. Senators How do you become a Senator? What are their responsibilities?
Appointed by the GG on the advice of the PM
Must be at least 30 yrs old
Own at least $4000 worth of property
Live in the province or territory they are representing
Retire by the age of 75
What are their responsibilities?
Read and pass bills into law
Sit on various committees and examine issues of public interest such as government spending and foreign aid
Jim Munson- Liberal/ Ottawa region / since 2003
Retirement 2021