1. Branches of Government : The Executive Branch

2. Executive Branch (middle)
Legislative Branch Executive Branch Judicial Branch

3. Recall: The Three Branches of Government
1.) Legislative Branch = makes laws
2.) Executive Branch = implements laws
3.) Judicial = enforcement of laws

4. Components of Executive Branch
Governor General
Prime Minister
Cabinet
The Bureaucracy

5. 1. Who’s Who: The Governor General
We are all aware of the role of the Governor General
Know that he/she are a part of the executive branch
Mostly symbolic duties such as receiving new ambassadors and awarding the Order of Canada to people who have made outstanding contributions to public life

6. 2. Who’s Who: The Prime Minister
Central Figure & head of Canadian government
Powers are enormous but not outlined in any document
Include:
a.) party leadership
b.) appointment
c.) governmental organization
d.) dissolution

7. PM Role: 1.) Party Leadership
Has the power to approve someone from his own party running in an election to become an MP
When a party wins an election, it can be said that the voters have given that party a mandate (command or instruction on how to proceed)
PM can therefore count on support of his MP’s (solidarity)
Utilize caucus meetings to iron out issues

8. PM Role: b.) Power of Appointment
Appoints Governor general
Appoints cabinet members through Governor General
Each province is represented in cabinet
Decides the size of the cabinet
All races, genders, minority groups etc. represented

9. PM Role: c.) Government Organization
PM appoints cabinet ministers and has power to create or abolish portfolio’s
Will often pick his most trusted cabinet members to form an inner cabinet for every day decision making
Cabinets can be shuffled by PM to freshen things up

10. PM Role: d.) Power of Dissolution
PM is able set the time of election to his liking, government can be dissolved before set election date if a minority government is defeated in a vote of non-confidence
The government serves a maximum five year term

11. Prime Minister’s Office
Carry out everyday functions of government (answer phones, mail, schedules etc.)
Made up of appointed staff (overseen by PM’s secretary)
Ensure PM has positive public image and good relations with the media
Advise PM on how policies will affect party popularity
Head of PMO known as Principal Secretary
Good friend to PM & recommends patronage appointments

12. Privy Council Office Is a public service not affiliated with any party
Eyes and ears of cabinet
Top figure = Clerk of Privy Council
Very influential
Coordinating meetings and relaying decisions
Provide impartial research and info

13. 3. Who’s Who: The Cabinet
Members of cabinet called ministers who are responsible for portfolio’s (approx. 30 members)
Ex. Transportation, Finance, Justice, etc.
Selected by the PM and are his closest advisors
PM tries to represent each province in minister choices
Cabinets form committees to discuss planning and priorities (eg. Raising taxes, going to war)
Initiate and guide laws through H of C
Cabinet members must fully support decisions (cabinet solidarity) in public or must resign their position
Ministers agree to secrecy regarding meetings

14. Cabinet Continued… Backbenchers: MP’s who are not cabinet members
The leader of the opposition organizes the Shadow Cabinet to critique the PM’s work
A key agency linked with the Cabinet is the treasury board (cabinet committee)
Purpose is to monitor budgets of the government

15. 3. What’s What: The Ministries or Bureaucracy
One in every five Canadians works for the government
Divided into several branches
Four major structures a.) government departments, b.) crown corporations, c.) regulator agencies, d.) advisory bodies.
Song!

16. Bureaucracy continued…
- Government departments
- 23 departments each led by Cabinet minister
- Ex. Transportation, National Defense, Justice
Crown Corporation
- a business owned by the government
- Ex. Canadian National Railway

17. Bureaucracy continued…
Regulatory Agencies:
- set rules and regulations by which businesses in Canada must operate
- Ex. Canadian Transport Commission
Advisory Bodies:
- Royal Commissions or task forces set up to examine a specific issue
- Ex. Royal Commission on Canadian Unity