1. SLIDE DECK 4B:
Governments in Canada

2. How is government organized in Canada?

3. What is a representative democracy?
Representatives (or politicians) are chosen by people to act and speak on their behalf in government
Our representatives are chosen through elections
Representatives meet to debate issues and pass laws
Each representative is responsible for a different geographic area or community

4. Levels of Government
Canada has several levels of government and each has its own group of elected representatives.
Federal
Provincial/territorial
Local/Municipal
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit

5. Which level of government is responsible
for what?

6. Some Government Responsibilities
Federal
Immigration and citizenship
Defence
Currency
Fisheries and oceans
Provincial
Education
Health care
Social welfare
Transportation and highways
Municipal
Water and sewer service
Recreation
Libraries
Police and fire services

7. Federal Government
The elected representative is called a Member of Parliament (MP)
There are currently 338 elected MPs
MPs meet at the House of Commons in Ottawa
The leader is called the prime minister

8. Provincial and Territorial Governments
The elected representatives have different titles based on the province/territory
Ontario - Members of Provincial Parliament (MPP)
Quebec - Members of the National Assembly (MNA)
Newfoundland and Labrador - Members of the House of Assembly (MHA)
Everywhere else – Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
Elected members meet at their province’s or territory’s legislative assembly in their capital cities
The leader is usually called the premier

9. Provincial and Territorial Premiers
John Horgan
British Columbia
Brian Pallister
Manitoba
Jason Kenney
Alberta
Scott Moe
Saskatchewan
Doug Ford
Ontario
Provincial and Territorial Premiers
François Legault
Quebec
Blaine Higgs
New Brunswick
Stephen McNeil
Nova Scotia
Dennis King
Prince Edward Island
Sandy Silver
Yukon
Bob McLeod
Northwest Territories
Joe Savikataaq
Nunavut
Dwight Ball
Newfoundland and Labrador

10. Municipal Governments
The elected representative at the municipal level is called a councillor (or alderman)
Councils can be different in size and structure
The head of the council (leader) is usually called a mayor or reeve. They are elected by all citizens living in the municipality
Municipal councils meet at the city or town hall

11. First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments
Some First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities have their own systems of governance
These councils or governments share certain responsibilities with the provincial/territorial or federal government.

12. Do you know how the premiers and prime minister of Canada are chosen?

13. Choosing Government Leaders
At the provincial and federal level, most elected representatives are part of a political party (except in Northwest Territories and Nunvaut).
The political party with the most number of elected representatives usually forms government and their leader becomes the leader of the government.

14. 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.
You can use mail, , phone, or set up a meeting at their local constituency office.

15. Final Thoughts What have you learned about government in Canada?
Is government important? Why or why not?
What issue in your community concerns you the most? Who can you contact?