1. The Canadian Constitution 1982 A Constitution is the body of laws that sets out who has the authority to MAKE laws.A Constitution is the body of laws that sets out who has the authority to MAKE laws. Canada’s constitution defines how:Canada’s constitution defines how: we elect Parliamentwe elect Parliament the division of lawmaking authority between the Federal and Provincial governmentsthe division of lawmaking authority between the Federal and Provincial governments the laws and rights and freedoms are applied for all Canadians.the laws and rights and freedoms are applied for all Canadians.

2. An important part of Canada’s constitution is The Charter of Rights and Freedoms.An important part of Canada’s constitution is The Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Our rights are clearly outlined and no law can exist if it is contrary to the Charter.Our rights are clearly outlined and no law can exist if it is contrary to the Charter. The Charter became part of our constitution in 1982, and was not part of our original constitution, the British North America Act, 1867.The Charter became part of our constitution in 1982, and was not part of our original constitution, the British North America Act, 1867.

3. Canada has a Federal System of Government, which means that we have two levels of lawmaking authority.Canada has a Federal System of Government, which means that we have two levels of lawmaking authority. –1. The Federal Government –2. The Provincial and Territorial Governments

4. Some of our laws originate from the Federal government, and some originate from the Provincial/Territorial government.Some of our laws originate from the Federal government, and some originate from the Provincial/Territorial government. The Provincial governments also give powers to Municipalities to create laws within those communities – called by-laws.The Provincial governments also give powers to Municipalities to create laws within those communities – called by-laws. The Provincial governments are currently lobbying for more powers over certain matters. (e.g.: Health Care)The Provincial governments are currently lobbying for more powers over certain matters. (e.g.: Health Care)

5. The Provincial governments have authority over more local matters, which can vary from province to province.The Provincial governments have authority over more local matters, which can vary from province to province. The Municipal governments have authority over very local matters effecting the community. (e.g.: the height of fences, snow removal, dogs on a leash in parks, etc.)The Municipal governments have authority over very local matters effecting the community. (e.g.: the height of fences, snow removal, dogs on a leash in parks, etc.)

6. … Governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. That is you!… Governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. That is you! The constitution establishes the relationship between the branches of governments.The constitution establishes the relationship between the branches of governments. It tells the government what it may, and may not do.It tells the government what it may, and may not do. The government may not do a lot of things…The government may not do a lot of things…